Queens Banker Steals Over $650K From Dead Sisters' Accounts: DA

FAR ROCKAWAY, QUEENS -- A Queens private client banker faces time behind bars for allegedly treating the estates of two sisters as his own personal piggy bank to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Joshua Stephens-Anselm sucked more than $650,000 from estates of the late Edith and Marjorie Thompson paying for vacations, shopping sprees, drinks and even a friend's Victoria's Secret credit card bill, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Far Rockaway man worked at JP Morgan Chase, where the Thomas women had accounts, the charges state. Edith died at 89 in December 2013 and Marjorie at 85 in November 2014.

From June 2016 to July 2017, Stephens-Anselm is accused of nearly wiping out both women's estates, first by writing himself checks and later using an app on his phone to charge electronic payments directly to the accounts, according to the charges.

"This trusted bank employee took advantage of his access to enrich himself," said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

The banker started off funneling money from the sisters' accounts to pay for living expenses like rent, utilities and cable bills, according to the complaint.

He soon began using the accounts to fund a more lavish lifestyle of vacations, shopping sprees and nights out at the hookah bar, prosecutors said.

A bulk of the funds - more than $590,000 - were stolen from Marjorie Thompson's estate, and around $70,000 from Edith, according to the complaint.

JP Morgan Chase fully reimbursed both accounts, authorities said.

Stephens-Anselm is awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court on grand larceny charges. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Lead photo via Shutterstock.