William Nelson, Embezzlement, New York 2016

Grimy Times has learned that William Nelson, former Director of Procurement at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office (RCDA), has been charged with embezzling government funds to the tune of $440,000. The allegations date back to 2006 and span a decade, with Nelson using two RCDA American Express credit cards to make personal purchases.

As stated in the indictment, Nelson used the credit cards to purchase items such as jewelry, apparel, toys, sporting goods and memorabilia, alcohol, video games and movies, electronics, household items, grocery items, books, sundries, knives, survival gear, handbags, collectibles, souvenirs, event tickets, meals, lodging, airfare, excursions, and online services that he then used for his own benefit and the benefit of others.

Nelson also used the online payment system PayPal to directly transfer thousands of dollars from the RCDA credit cards to his own personal bank account. In furtherance of his scheme, Nelson took steps to conceal his embezzlement, which included concealing the itemized credit card statements, mischaracterizing the nature of the purchases, and using his authority as Director of Procurement to approve payments of his fraudulent personal expenditures.

According to the indictment, Nelson’s scheme went undetected for over a decade, with the defendant allegedly stealing over $440,000 from the RCDA. The charges against Nelson include one count of theft of funds and nine counts of mail fraud.

The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The charges against Nelson were announced by Acting United States Attorney Bridget M. Rohde, FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr., and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark G. Peters.

Nelson is scheduled to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge James Orenstein at the Brooklyn federal courthouse. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the theft of funds count and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the mail fraud counts.

The Richmond County District Attorney’s Office has cooperated with the investigation and has taken swift action to implement changes to safeguard its finances. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is commended for its partnership with the New York City Department of Investigation on this case.

Nelson’s alleged crimes have raised concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability within the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government agencies.