Onetime Jewish Jail Chaplain Accused of Housing Fraud
A New York CIty jail chaplain who was fired for organizing “bar mitzvah” bashes behind bars is now accused of abusing federal housing subsidies.
Brooklyn Rabbi Leib Glanz was arrested along with his brother for allegedly stealing $220,000 in subsidized-housing benefits, the city Department of Investigations said in a press release.
The politically connected Satmar rabbi lived in a Williamsburg duplex whose landlord was receiving up to $1,675 a month in federal Section 8 subsidies that were supposed to be earmarked for Glanz’s brother, Menashe.
The brother actually lived somewhere else. The program is designed to benefit low-income tenants.
Menashe over the years paid only about $24 to $93 per month to cover the portion of the rent that wasn’t covered by the Section 8 subsidy, a steal especially in New York’s pricy real estate market, the New York Post reported.
The city’s Department of Investigation, which uncovered the alleged scam while probing Leib Glanz’s parties for Jewish inmates, said it is “the largest individual case of tenant fraud investigated by DOI.”
Leib Glanz, 53, and Menashe Glanz, 49, face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
