Queens charity official charged with stealing $872k meant to feed the needy — The metal handcuffs on black background. Handcuff or shackle. Police handcuffs.

St. Albans man accused of stealing nearly $900K from Queens nonprofit

QUEENS, NY — A former administrator at a Queens nonprofit has been charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property after allegedly diverting nearly $900,000 in food program funds to purchase upstate land, pay architects, and pad personal accounts.

Otto Starzmann, 60, of St. Albans, was arraigned Tuesday night in Queens Criminal Court, accused of stealing $872,440 from River Fund, a Richmond Hill-based organization that provides food assistance to low-income families. Starzmann served as the charity’s chief production officer and oversaw grant procurement and food ordering operations.

According to investigators, Starzmann created a shell company called Foodgate Inc. and used it to submit five fraudulent invoices between May and October 2022 for prepaid fresh produce deliveries that were never made. The River Fund paid the full amount, expecting large deliveries of vegetables such as green beans, squash, and corn — but none ever arrived at its warehouse.

Authorities say Starzmann transferred the funds to bank accounts solely controlled by him. Over $429,000 was allegedly funneled to a law firm handling the purchase of 22 acres of vacant land in Warwick, New York. He also spent more than $60,000 on architectural services, withdrew over $70,000 in cash, and transferred $77,000 into personal bank accounts.

Starzmann was charged with grand larceny in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. He is due back in court on September 4.

The investigation was led by the NYPD and the Queens DA’s Frauds Bureau, with support from forensic accounting experts and multiple detectives.

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Key Points

Otto Starzmann allegedly stole $872,440 from the Queens-based River Fund charity
Funds meant for food deliveries were used to buy land, pay architects, and fund personal accounts
Starzmann faces up to 15 years in prison and is due back in court on September 4

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

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