Nassau Woman Nabbed in $25K Tax Check Scam

CARLE PLACE, NY – Takisha Rainey, 46, of Carle Place, Nassau County, is facing serious time after allegedly using a forged New York State tax refund check to steal $25,000. The brazen scheme, uncovered by the Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, highlights a growing trend of exploiting the state’s tax system for personal gain.

According to investigators, Rainey obtained the fraudulent check – worth $41,236 – from an individual she connected with on social media back in August 2023. She then allegedly deposited it into her account at Navy Federal Credit Union and, just two days later, made off with $25,000 in cold, hard cash. The withdrawal took place at a branch located at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, captured on surveillance footage obtained by investigators.

New York Attorney General Letitia James didn’t mince words when announcing the charges. “This fraudulent scheme stole from New York taxpayers and deprived the state of resources used to provide health care, education, and other critical services,” James stated. “I will not tolerate any attempt to steal from our state. My office will continue to investigate this fraud scheme to hold all those who participated accountable.”

The scam quickly unraveled when Navy Federal Credit Union flagged the check as fraudulent, debiting Rainey’s account for the full $41,236. DTF Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael Shollar emphasized the importance of holding these criminals accountable. “Individuals who try to steal tax refunds from honest New Yorkers must be held accountable,” Shollar said. “I commend the dedicated work of our NYS Tax Investigators, and thank Attorney General James and her office for their diligent efforts in bringing tax criminals to justice.”

Rainey has been indicted on three felony counts: Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years behind bars. She was arraigned before Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Terence Murphy. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Rainey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the DTF Internal Affairs Unit working in collaboration with the OAG. Key investigators included Detective Jordan Harrington, Assistant Chief Samuel Scotellaro, Major Investigations Unit Chief Juanita Bright, and DTF Criminal Investigator Jemayel Mall. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Daniel P. Hughes and Benjamin M. Mastaitis, with oversight from Bureau Chief Gerard Murphy and the Division for Criminal Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado.