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BROOKLYN, NY—Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Homeland Security Investigations New York, led by Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo, announced charges against a Florida man for defrauding six Russian-speaking victims in Brooklyn. The accused, David Manasher, 44, of Margate, Florida, allegedly posed as a licensed attorney and misappropriated approximately $93,000.

Manasher, who also spent time in New York and New Jersey, was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk. He faces a 20-count indictment, including charges of grand larceny, immigrant assistant services fraud, forgery, offering a false instrument for filing, unauthorized practice of law, and a scheme to defraud. Remarkably, he was released without bail and is scheduled to return to court on August 21, 2024.

According to DA Gonzalez, between December 1, 2020, and March 15, 2024, Manasher targeted individuals seeking legal services in landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and contract law. He is accused of forging a victim’s signature on court filings and a retainer agreement, with stolen amounts ranging from $2,000 to $65,000.

Special Agent Arvelo emphasized the broader implications of such fraud, noting Manasher’s exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the U.S. immigration system. The HSI Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force played a critical role in bringing the fraudulent activities to light.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation following a victim’s report. Individuals who believe they may have been victimized by Manasher are urged to contact the District Attorney’s Action Center or email their complaints for further assistance and investigation.

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