Insurer charged with theft from NYC Jewish charity

NEW YORK — An insurance company owner is accused of helping a longtime Jewish community leader steal more than $7 million from a prominent New York City charity.

Joseph Ross was charged with grand larceny and money laundering. The New York Times says he didn't enter a plea at his arraignment Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance. His attorney declined to comment on the allegations.

According to a criminal complaint, the scheme spanned two decades and targeted the Metropolitan New York Council on Jewish Poverty. Ross's company, Century Coverage, provided services to the group.

The charity's former CEO, William Rapfogel, was arrested in August on similar charges.

The arrests are the result of an ongoing investigation by the offices of the state attorney general and state comptroller.

Mr. Ross’s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, would not comment on the accusations. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss the substantive facts at this time, but Mr. Ross intends to address these issues in a very responsible fashion,” Mr. Brafman said.