A New York City personal trainer has been indicted for allegedly orchestrating a rental housing scam that stole more than $100,000 from at least eight prospective tenants, according to prosecutors.
Authorities say 35-year-old Jerry Genesis falsely claimed he had apartments available for sublease through a third-party broker in several popular neighborhoods, including the East Village, Chinatown, Nolita, Chelsea, and Downtown Brooklyn. The alleged scheme occurred between Nov. 19, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
According to the indictment, Genesis arranged apartment viewings and signed sublease agreements identifying himself as the lessor. Prosecutors say at least eight victims paid move-in costs ranging from $8,100 to $17,200, totaling at least $101,692.42.
None of the victims were ever able to move into the apartments they believed they had rented. In one instance, a victim arrived with belongings only to find an eviction notice posted on the apartment door. Two other victims reportedly never received keys to their units.
The New York Post reported that Genesis was previously indicted in February on separate charges involving a refund scam connected to his personal training business, which allegedly impacted 10 victims. While on supervised release in that case, Genesis left New York City and was later arrested in Stamford, Connecticut, following a three-hour standoff with police.
In the rental scam case, Genesis was indicted on three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. He was also separately arraigned on one count of Bail Jumping in the Second Degree.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said investigators believe there may be additional victims. “As alleged, Jerry Genesis exploited New York’s highly competitive housing market to steal hard-earned money from individuals seeking housing,” Bragg said. “This investigation is ongoing.”
