This defendant is accused of exploiting the trust and vulnerability of her neighbors, many of whom are newly arrived immigrants seeking stability in a new country. Her alleged actions not only caused financial harm but also betrayed individuals already navigating immense challenges. We are determined to hold her accountable and remind prospective tenants to safeguard themselves by insisting that landlords provide a written lease and avoiding cash payments in rental transactions.
Between January 2022 and July 2024, Katzevman advertised a rental apartment in the Russian-language newspaper Russkaya Reklama. Victims reportedly paid her security deposits and rent, ranging from $700 to $2,300, believing they would be able to move into the apartment.
Instead of granting access to the apartment, Katzevman allegedly changed the locks or barred access and refused to return the money, collecting approximately $15,800 from 12 victims.
Several of the victims, who were recently arrived immigrants from Ukraine, were allegedly assured discounted rent based on Katzevman’s claim of shared Ukrainian heritage.
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