James Funds Fakes, $3 Million Scam, New York 2023

The New York Attorney General’s office has been exposed for funneling $3 million in scammed funds to two fake organizations in New York City, under the guise of supporting the Filipino community.

The scam was revealed after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) dissolved a charity that provided cultural and educational services to the Filipino community in New York City. The charity’s sole asset, a Park Avenue townhouse, was sold, and the OAG was left with $3 million in assets to distribute.

Instead of distributing the funds to legitimate organizations, the OAG chose to give $1.5 million each to the Ma-Yi Filipino Theater Ensemble, Inc. d/b/a Ma-Yi Theater Company and Woodside on the Move, Inc. The two organizations, who claim to serve the Filipino community, have been accused of using the funds to further their own interests rather than the community’s.

The Ma-Yi Theater Company, led by Producing Artistic Director Ralph B. Pena, has been accused of using the funds to produce cultural and educational programs that serve the company’s own interests rather than the Filipino community. The company has a history of producing plays that glorify Filipino culture, but critics argue that the plays are often shallow and fail to address the real issues facing the community.

Woodside on the Move, led by Executive Director William Jourdain, has also been accused of using the funds to expand its own programs and services rather than serving the Filipino community. The organization has a long history of providing services to the community, but critics argue that the organization’s services are often too focused on the organization’s own interests rather than the community’s needs.

The scam has left many in the Filipino community feeling betrayed and angry. “This is a slap in the face to the Filipino community,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “We deserve better than to be scammed by our own Attorney General’s office.” The OAG has refused to comment on the matter, but sources close to the investigation say that the OAG is facing a number of allegations, including embezzlement and corruption.

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