Debora Marcoccio, a 68-year-old resident of Bonita Springs, Florida, has been charged with first-degree larceny after allegedly stealing over $811,000 from the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club. Marcoccio, arrested earlier this month, claims she fell victim to a “romance scheme,” which led her to unwittingly participate in the crime.
The investigation began on December 22, 2022, when Greenwich Boys & Girls Club staff reported a computer intrusion that led to fraudulent emails directing a wire transfer. The organization discovered a financial loss of $811,953.82, traced to an account held by Marcoccio. According to police, $405,653 was withdrawn from Marcoccio’s account the day after the transfer.
Marcoccio explained to investigators that she met a man named “Henry Evans” online, who allegedly persuaded her to open several bank accounts to aid him with his supposed business issues. However, investigators could not verify Evans’ identity, leading to Marcoccio’s arrest on larceny charges.
Marcoccio’s attorney, Audrey Felsen, argued at her arraignment in Stamford that Marcoccio was a “money mule”—a person unknowingly manipulated to move money for criminals. Felsen stated that Marcoccio’s daughter described her mother as “naïve,” emphasizing her mother’s lack of criminal intent.
While Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Moran argued that Marcoccio’s $250,000 bond should remain due to her lack of ties to Connecticut, Judge John Blawie ultimately set the bond at $150,000. Marcoccio’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 4.