Widow stole $410K from NYPD charity: Prosecutors

The former treasurer of a charity for the widows and families of fallen NYPD officers faces several charges for stealing money from the support group, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District.

Lorraine Shanley, 68, of Staten Island, is accused of fraudulently obtaining $410,000 from Survivors of the Shield.

She was arrested Thursday and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison if convicted.

Shanley, a widow herself after her husband suffered a heart attack while on the job in 1986, used approximately $29,000 for her grandchild's private school tuition; $63,000 for legal services related to criminal charges against her son; $32,000 for personal dental expenses and approximately $25,000 for landscaping, according to federal prosecutors.

About $8,000 was spent on event tickets including $1,400 for Brarbara Streisand. Shanley also wrote at least $45,000 in checks to pay family members.

“Lorraine Shanley allegedly capitalized on tragedy and monetized people’s generosity," said U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman. "As alleged, Shanley stole over 20 percent of the donations to a charity whose sole mission is to help the families of NYPD officers killed in the line of duty. Thanks to the investigative work of the IRS and special agents from our Office, Shanley will be prosecuted for her actions.”

Shanley appeared on the FOX 5 NY morning program, 'Good Day New York' on May 12. During her appearance she desribed the work she did with the 'Survivors of the Shield.'

"We are a support group. Our organization is committed to the wealthier of the widows and the children of the fallen officers of the New York City Police Department," said Shanley.