Residents of the six-story co-op at 172 Forsyth Street regarded building manager Robert Caballero as a financial panacea when he took over the building 10 years ago. When he first began the Forsyth’s managerial duties, he alleviated many of the building's debts, organized the paperwork, and created an affordable living space for rent at $450 a month.
According to The New York Times, in 2010, the board treasurer, Leslie Espinoza, was alarmed to find that the buildings budget did not have enough money to pay Caballero. Upon further investigation through the building's files and financial records she discovered a bank statement with a forged check with her signature.
The Times reports the former Democratic district leader Robert Caballero, was arraigned in the State Supreme Court on charges of grand larceny, forgery, and falsifying business records. Instead of paying himself the agreed $450 a month, prosecutors stated that Caballero was taking over $450 per week. In addition, he has been charged with forging more than 150 checks over four years, resulting in stealing over $260,000, close to 172 Forsyth’s entire budget.
Caballero has pleaded not guilty and has yet to make bail.
For the full article, visit The New York Times
