Murielle Misczak, former director of a Brooklyn daycare, was indicted on March 25 for wire fraud and money laundering after allegedly embezzling more than $2.75 million in tuition payments over four years. Misczak was arrested and is scheduled to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
The case highlights concerns about financial oversight and trust within childcare institutions, particularly regarding the handling of funds meant for children’s services.
According to court filings, Misczak directed parents to send tuition payments to accounts she controlled from January 2022 through October 2025, later transferring the funds into her personal bank accounts. Prosecutors say she concealed the theft by deleting or altering accounting records at the daycare and spent more than $600,000 on travel and entertainment—including over $350,000 on professional wrestling tickets—as well as luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services.
“As alleged, Misczak abused her position of authority and betrayed the trust of her employer and daycare families by stealing millions in tuition to fund her own extravagant personal lifestyle,” said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt individuals like the defendant who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., said: “Murielle Misczak allegedly stole millions of dollars from parents whose tuition payments were unknowingly funding personal lavish purchases. As the daycare’s former director, Misczak’s alleged embezzlement violated the trust placed in her by her employer and clients. The FBI is dedicated to disrupting corrupt schemes that defraud our city’s families for selfish gain, especially those exploiting childcare services.”
If convicted on all charges, Misczak faces up to 20 years in prison.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach efforts and victim assistance according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website, handles federal crime prosecutions as well as civil matters representation for its district, operates under United States Attorney Breon Peace as noted online, covers areas including Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County as indicated on its website, and serves as the designated federal prosecutor’s office for these regions according to official information.
