An indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn on Mar. 31 charging Jean Ronald Tirelus, Roberto Samedy, Edouardo St. Fort, and Miguel Jorge with embezzling over $1.3 million from a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that provided home care services and operated homeless shelters in New York City. Tirelus, the former board chairman, and Samedy, the executive director, are accused of using their positions to commit wire fraud, embezzlement, bribery-related offenses, conspiracy to commit these crimes, and money laundering conspiracy.
The case highlights concerns about safeguarding public funds intended for vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals and those experiencing homelessness. The organization involved received millions in Medicaid payments and substantial funding from New York City to provide essential services.
According to prosecutors, between August 2020 and January 2024 Tirelus and Samedy stole more than $1.3 million through fraudulent schemes including convincing the board to authorize an $800,000 payment for a fake investment opportunity that was diverted for personal use. Additionally, they allegedly steered contracts worth millions of dollars to companies controlled by St. Fort and Jorge in exchange for bribes and kickbacks.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., Acting DOI Commissioner Christopher Ryan, and FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle Jr., announced the arrests: “As alleged, the defendants used their leadership positions to loot public funds from an organization devoted to serving vulnerable New Yorkers,” said Nocella Jr., adding that rooting out corruption remains a priority for his office.
Ryan said: “As charged…these defendants devised a scheme that siphoned more than $1.3 million from a publicly-funded nonprofit…Those who exploit the City’s need for homeless shelters endanger the very programs meant to help unhoused people.” Barnacle stated: “Jean Tirelus and Roberto Samedy allegedly stole more than $1.3 million from their nonprofit through fabricated investment opportunities…The FBI is committed to protecting charitable organizations and public funds from illicit corruption and greed.”
If convicted on all charges Tirelus and Samedy face up to 20 years in prison each; St. Fort and Jorge could face up to 10 years each.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach efforts according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its website while handling federal prosecutions across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County,and Suffolk County as indicated online. Breon Peace leads this office as United States Attorney according to official information.
