WHITE PLAINS, NY – A Queens woman is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing more than $220,000 in public funds intended for a Westchester school district serving students with disabilities—then using some of the stolen money to buy a Chanel purse, authorities said.
Nataly Ramos Allende, 26, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of grand larceny in the second degree and two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, according to Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace. She was arraigned in Mount Pleasant Justice Court and released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is scheduled for October 2.
According to a felony complaint, Ramos Allende created a fake business in November 2024 under the name “Mt Pleasant Cottage School LLC”—nearly identical to the legitimate Mount Pleasant Cottage School Union Free School District. She then opened bank accounts in the fake LLC’s name and deposited at least four checks totaling over $220,000, all issued to the real school by public entities for educational services provided to disabled students.
The funds came from Southern Westchester BOCES, the County of Onondaga, and the Carmel Central School District—organizations required by law to pay tuition and expenses for out-of-district placements for students with significant needs.
Investigators say Ramos Allende deposited the checks across three different banks—Citibank, Chase, and Bank of America—within a span of one month. After the deposits, she allegedly made cash withdrawals and purchased a designer Chanel handbag.
District Attorney Cacace condemned the alleged scheme, stating, “It is unconscionable that anyone would prey upon a public school district, especially one serving our most vulnerable students.” Her office is working to recover the stolen funds.
The case was investigated by the DA’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Mount Pleasant Police.
Key Points
- Nataly Ramos Allende charged with stealing over $220,000 by posing as a legitimate school
- Defendant allegedly opened fake LLC, deposited government-issued checks, and spent funds
- Stolen money was meant for special education services for disabled students in Westchester
Prosecutors say she stole from children with disabilities—and used the cash for a designer bag.