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Head Of Bronx Cancer Non-Profit Caught Embezzling Funds For Lavish Vacations, Steak


By

Lauren Evans

Published Apr 25, 2014

Modified Apr 25, 2014


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Lisa S./Shutterstock


By

Lauren Evans

Published Apr 25, 2014

Modified Apr 25, 2014


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The operator of a Bronx-based non-profit, billed as offering "cancer screenings to indigent New Yorkers," pleaded guilty yesterday to embezzling more than $360,000 in government funds, which he apparently used to finance lavish getaways and...steaks.

Joseph Junkovic faces up to two years in prison for diverting grant money intended for a non-profit called "Cancer Service Network" into his own pocket—pockets attached to pants that visited Las Vegas, Italy, Austria and New Orleans on taxpayer dollars, the Post reports.

Junkovic will now have to cough up $360,556 for hours spent not assisting possible-cancer patients with services like "breast and cervical cancer screenings, mammograms, pap smears and clinical breast exams," but instead spent on a Gucci alligator belt and meals at Smith & Wollensky steakhouses.

According to a complaint, Junkovic routinely billed the Department of Health for hours totaling more than 140 per week, "even while he was frequently on vacation or spending thousands of dollars at various casinos."
In one case, Junkovic billed the Department of Health for 590 hours in August of 2010, despite the fact that he was in Vienna, Austria for most of the month.

The complaint also asserts that the Cancer Services Network was actually run by Junkovic out of his own apartment, with himself as the only employee.

He'll be sentenced on July 30th.

Tagged

bronx

cancer

department of health

embezzlement

non-profits


Lauren Evans

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