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Juan Alayo, age 72, of East Meadow, pleaded guilty to grand larceny and related charges on Friday, Nov. 15.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said Alayo embezzled more than $26,700 between 2016 and 2023, during his tenure as president of the Marlboro Owners Corporation cooperative in Hempstead.
An investigation found that he routinely wrote checks to himself and his company, A&J, that were neither discussed nor approved by the co-op board. He concealed his thefts by falsifying the co-op’s business records.
James’ office highlighted one check that was written for a $2,466 payment to “TRAGAR,” an oil company. In reality, the check was sent to and cashed by Alayo’s business.
The theft was finally uncovered in 2023, when Alayo sold his apartment and a new co-op president was elected. The board contacted the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, which referred the case to the New York attorney general’s office.
“When co-op leaders steal from the buildings they’re entrusted to manage, the entire community suffers,” said James. “Juan Alayo’s neighbors elected him to oversee their building, and Mr. Alayo violated their trust to line his own pockets. My office will not tolerate anyone who breaks the law to steal from their neighbors.”
Alayo pleaded guilty to grand larceny and petit larceny. He agreed to pay $26,738 in restitution to the co-op and complete 210 hours of community service.
If he fails to meet either requirement, he will be sentenced to one year in jail.
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