More Than $140K Stolen From 9/11 Victim In Investment Scam: Nassau DA

MINEOLA, NY — A man was indicted for allegedly posing as an investment broker and swindling a 9/11 victim and her widowed mother from Long Island out of more than $140,000.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Richard Yasnis, 43, of Massachusetts, falsely claimed that he would invest their money in a property renovation opportunity and in the stock market.

Yasnis was arraigned on Thursday on two counts of second-degree grand larceny. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.

"Richard Yasnis allegedly misrepresented himself as a successful Wall Street investor, selling his victims promises of financial opportunities that would grow their assets to ensure they would live comfortably for years to come," Donnelly said. "But instead of helping these women to secure their futures, Yasnis allegedly stole more than $140,000 from them – funds that were drawn in part from one of the victim’s 9/11 compensation for her work at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks."

The victims are from Bayville and Locust Valley. One of the victims assisted in the post-9/11 efforts at Ground Zero in 2001 and as a result, developed medical issues that qualified her for 9/11 Victim Compensation funds, Donnelly said.

Between May and June 2023, Yasnis met with the victim and allegedly claimed to be a licensed investment broker working for Cahill Financial Group.

If convicted, Yasnis faces up to 7-1/2 to 15 years in prison. He is due back in court on September 18.