HOME REPAIR PREDATOR ARRAIGNED ON SIXTEEN COUNT INDICTMENT FOR DEFRAUDING FOUR ELDERLY WOMEN

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Edward Mangenheimer (DOB 3/27/37) of 58 South Stone Avenue, Elmsford, New York, was arraigned today on an sixteen count indictment including three counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, class “D” Felonies, three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, class “D” Felonies, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree, class “D” Felonies, one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class “E” Felony and a number of other related charges.

Over a two and a half year period from June 2004 to January 2007, the defendant engaged in a systematic and continuing course of conduct during which he defrauded four elderly women, ages 79, 80, 81 and 99 years old, claiming that he was a representative of Unique Choice, Inc., a Westchester County home improvement contractor, issuing work orders and collecting money on their behalf.

Although he worked for the contractor as a salesman, he was not authorized to “create” his own work orders, perform any work or collect any money on their behalf. The defendant retained the fees that he collected from these women for his own use and personal benefit.

A total of $49,680 was stolen from his four victims.

Police from the Towns of Mount Pleasant, Greenburgh, and Harrison coordinated their efforts throughout the investigation of this case, leading to Mangenheimer’s arrest.

He faces a minimum of two to a maximum of seven years in state prison on the top counts.

Bail was set at $75,000, cash or bond. Temporary orders of protection were issued.

Mangenheimer’s next court appearance is on March 2nd, 2007.

Assistant District Attorney Laura Forbes, of the High Technology Crime Bureau, will prosecute the case.

Edward Mangenheimer

In compliance with Disciplinary Rule 7-107A of the Code of

Professional Responsibility, you are advised that a charge is

merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed

innocent until and unless proven guilty.