Building Superintendent Indicted for Allegedly Stealing $350K from 100-year-old Victim
Rosalind Hernandez, 56, has been indicted for allegedly stealing over $350,000 from a 100-year-old man who lived in her building and had granted her Power of Attorney. A year earlier she had been profiled by the New York Times as a “lifeline” to elderly residents in her building.
A building superintendent for a Chelsea apt building was indicted for allegedly stealing over $350,000 from a 100-year-old man who lived in her building.
Rosalind Hernandez, was indicted on Nov. 21., for stealing the money over an eleven month period, from July 26, 2023 to June 2, 2024, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said. She was employed as the building superintendent of Chelsea Hall, a 53-unit apartment building located at 253 W 16th St. Hernandez befriended the alleged victim over time, prosecutors said and eventually she suggested that the victim give her power of attorney, in order to help him with his affairs, as it became increasingly difficult for him to do so on his own. He agreed, giving her access to his bank account and credit cards, prosecutors said.
“The victim relied on Ms. Hernandez for help, yet after she befriended him, she allegedly broke his trust and stole his hard-earned money for her personal greed,” said District Attorney Bragg.
The man fell and became “seriously injured” during the summer of 2023, according to the DA’s office. Hernandez accompanied him on a trip to see his family. Because he was not expected to recover, the man asked Hernandez to tie up his affairs and sell his apartment, in exchange for $100,000.
Hernandez returned to New York City with his bank card, credit cards, and checkbook. Then, while the man was still with his family, Hernandez wrote checks totaling over $450,000 to two people unknown to the victim. She then purchased lingerie, clothing, a haircut, and a subscription to an entrepreneurship training program for herself and her niece, totaling over $6,000. Hernandez also spent over $900 on Lyft rides, using the victims credit cards.
The man realized what happened when he returned to New York, having recovered from his injuries, and regained access to his financial accounts.
This is not Hernandez’s first time in the news, although it has taken a dark turn from her last time in the limelight. Last year, the New York Times featured her in a profile as a “lifeline” for seniors, writing that she is “the unofficial companion and caregiver to the retirees, widows and widowers” who live in her building.
“Those who prey on vulnerable older adults will be held accountable,” DA Bragg said.
“Please contact our Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007 or email EAU@dany.nyc.gov if you are above the age of 60 and may be a victim.”
Reached for comment, Hernandez’s defense attorney Vito Paz told Chelsea News, “we don’t try our cases outside of the courtroom.”