Suffolk Man Steals $600K From Parents' Bank Accounts: DA

COMMACK, NY — A Commack man pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny after stealing more than $600,000 from his parents, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

The money was earmarked to pay for the nursing home where his mother resided, Tierney added.

Michael Goonan, 63, pleaded guilty on Friday.

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions in his guilty plea, starting in May 2018, Goonan stole a total of $600,480 from his parents’ bank accounts by having certified and personal checks issued payable to himself that were then deposited into his own account, Tierney said.

Goonan’s mother had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and his father was experiencing memory and cognitive decline, the DA said. Goonan used the money he stole from his parents to
pay for personal expenses, including his mortgage and college tuition for his children, prosecutors said.

In August 2018, Goonan’s mother became a full-time resident of a nursing home, the DA said.

Although Goonan initially made some payments to the facility, he ultimately stopped paying when he depleted his parents’ bank account, putting his mother at risk of losing her room at the nursing home, Tierney said.

Goonan surrendered to police on January 24, the DA said.

Goonan faces 2 to 6 years in prison if he fails to pay $300,000 in restitution before his sentencing date, Tierney said.

"The safety and well-being of our elderly population is of paramount concern," Tierney said. "We want those who choose to exploit our vulnerable populations to know that they will be held accountable regardless of their relationship to the victim."

Goonan is due back in court on November 25, and he is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County.