Van Duyn Nursing Home Owners Hit with $12M Fine for Neglect & Fraud

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a stunning $12 million settlement with Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse. Owners Efraim Steif and Uri Koenig are being held accountable for egregious resident neglect and financial fraud.

The investigation revealed that Steif and Koenig siphoned millions of taxpayer dollars intended for resident care, leaving the facility severely understaffed and residents suffering in dangerous conditions. Residents faced numerous traumas, including deaths and hospitalizations.

‘For years, residents at Van Duyn endured unacceptable neglect that caused traumatic injuries and tragic deaths,’ Attorney General James stated. ‘We are holding Van Duyn’s owners accountable for these conditions, ensuring the facility makes all necessary changes to provide proper care.’

The OAG found that residents lived in unsafe conditions, with basic daily tasks neglected. One resident died after staff failed to assist her to the bathroom, resulting in a tragic strangulation death. Another was found deceased in rigor mortis due to inadequate care and medication. The investigation also uncovered financial fraud involving tens of millions of dollars.

Van Duyn paid inflated rent using Medicare and Medicaid funds, leaving fewer resources for staffing and maintenance. Steif and Koenig transferred over $2 million to themselves through fraudulent salary payments. ‘I will always fight for the dignity and rights of vulnerable New Yorkers,’ James added.

The OAG has installed an Independent Health Care Monitor and an Independent Financial Monitor to oversee Van Duyn’s operations, marking the fourth case where major reforms have been secured in New York nursing homes under investigation.

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