Moral understanding refers to the ability to grasp and comprehend moral concepts, principles, and values. It involves not only knowing right from wrong, but also understanding the reasons behind these distinctions. It’s a multifaceted concept that encompasses knowledge, reasoning, and empathy, that should guide us to the right decision. But not for fraudsters! Fraudsters can rationalize any moral argument to justify the crime. Like when former Bronx County prosecutor Jennifer Jacques, her brother Samuel Jacques, and their mom Marielle Jacques provided false information on applications to rent and own affordable housing units in a scheme that secured the family members hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits for which they should have been ineligible for. But when the average rent in Manhattan, NY is $5,302 per month, moral understanding goes right out that subsidized window!
From October 1, 2017 to October 31, 2023, Jennifer, Samuel and Marielle fraudulently applied for a federally funded apartment within a NYC Housing and Preservation Development (HPD)-sponsored affordable housing development located in Manhattan. The application contained forged ADP payroll records to make it appear that Samuel’s income was qualified for subsidized housing. It also falsely represented that Samuel would live in the apartment, when it in fact would be Jennifer who resided there. She herself was also ineligible to rent an affordable housing unit due to already owning an affordable apartment in Manhattan, that she happened to have purchased in part with City subsidies that required her to live in unit for 15 consecutive years. Jennifer rented out this apartment, while living in the apartment that was fraudulently gained under Samuel’s name.
Showing that they really could rationalize any moral judgement on stealing from the U.S. taxpayer, Samuel and Jennifer went on to apply for another HPD-sponsored apartment in Manhattan, again using forged payroll statements with the fraudulent application. But this time, the application was flagged and investigated.
On February 20, 2025, Jennier, Samuel, and Marielle pled guilty to larceny, housing fraud, and falsifying business records.
Excellent job by the New York Department of Investigation in this case.
Today’s Fraud of The Day is based on article “Former Bronx Prosecutor Pleads Guilty to Fraud” published by Norwood News on February 20, 2025.
Mayor Eric Adams, former New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant Sewell, and Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg make a public safety-related announcement at 1 Police Plaza, Manhattan on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
NYC Department of Investigation (“DOI”) officials announced Friday, Feb. 14, that a former Bronx County prosecutor, her brother, and her mother pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining affordable housing in Manhattan via NYC Department of Housing, Preservation & Development (HPD).
