Ronald Ousman, 38, served as acting church treasurer until his May dismissal
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest today of a Queens man who allegedly stole $35,608 from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow, while serving as acting church treasurer.
Ronald Ousman, 38, of Bayside, surrendered this morning to DA investigators and was arraigned on the charge of Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree (a D felony) before District Court Judge James Darcy. If convicted, Ousman faces a maximum sentence of 2-1/3 to seven years in prison. The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on September 15.
“The defendant was a trusted member of the faith community, but is charged with taking advantage of that trust by stealing more than $35,000 from a house of worship,” Acting DA Singas said. “I thank church officials for bringing this alleged theft to our attention and encourage members of the public to reach out to my office if they suspect a crime has taken place.”
Acting DA Singas said that between May 16, 2014 and May 7, 2015, Ousman, while serving as acting church treasurer, embezzled $35,608. The defendant made a series of cash withdrawals from the church’s checking and money market accounts.
The investigation began when church officials contacted the Internal Revenue Service to verify certain tax information. IRS employees informed church officials that certain payments were never received by the IRS. An investigation was opened by the DA’s office in May.
Assistant District Attorney Peter Mancuso of Acting DA Singas’ Government and Consumer Frauds Bureau is prosecuting the case. Ousman is represented by Scott Limmer, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.