Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Seemingly Random Acid Attack Was Allegedly Intended To Cover-Up Embezzlement
By
Scott Heins
Published Apr 6, 2016
Modified Apr 6, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Scott Heins
Published Apr 6, 2016
Modified Apr 6, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A brutal acid attack that left a Queens woman with third degree burns on her face has been revealed to be part of an attempted cover up of embezzlement at a health and education non-profit, prosecutors announced yesterday.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown has filed charges including assault, conspiracy, grand larceny, and criminal possession of a weapon against Jerry Mohammed, 32, and Kim Williams, 47, an accountant who allegedly colluded to steal $750,000 from Healing Arts Initiative and attack its executive director, Alexandra Dyer, as a means of distracting from the embezzlement.
“This case is troubling on so many different levels. In an atmosphere of such giving, it is disheartening to see an individual allegedly use her position of fiduciary trust to siphon off tens of thousands of dollars in funds for the personal use of herself and another," Brown said. "More disturbing, perhaps, is the same individual allegedly conspiring with another individual to intentionally seriously injure an innocent victim as part of a cover-up. The three defendants now face serious charges.”
Dyer, 59, was near her car on Skillman Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, when Mohammed allegedly called out to her from behind. "[She] saw the man standing on the sidewalk with a coffee cup in his hand before he threw the substance in her face," sources told the Post at the time. Dyer took refuge in her car and attempted to drive, but quickly stopped and began screaming inside the vehicle. A passerby called 911 and she was rushed to Cornell Hospital, with third degree burns to her face. ABC reports that Dyer underwent multiple surgeries following the attack.
According to a release from the Queens DA, Williams, who was employed at the non-profit, and Mohammed worked with Williams's close friend Pia Louallen, 41, to steal money from the Healing Arts Initiative between 2013 and 2015. Louallen personally received $150,000. All three suspects were indicted Tuesday, and face maximum sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years, if convicted.
Tagged
acid
Acid Attack
embezzlement
Scott Heins
Scott Heins is a freelance photo and video journalist based in New York City, and a frequent contributor to Gothamist + WNYC. His work often centers around labor rights, housing, and policing. In 2018-2019 he traveled to four states while covering a wave of public school teachers strikes, with work featured in The New York Times, The Intercept, Getty Images, Splinter, and Bloomberg Photos. Scott is a dues-paying member of the National Writers Union's Freelance Solidarity Project.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: Spy magazine is doing a Substack pop-up
Because the "Irony Epidemic" is hitting inboxes in honor of Spy's 40th anniversary, here are your early links: West Village gated school street, Trump still promising $5,000 checks, butter is in and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 8:57 a.m. ET
Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says
Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
Bronx woman found dead and infant in critical condition after balcony fall, NYPD says
Police say it's still unclear whether the pair jumped, fell or were pushed.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
By
David Brand
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
By
Samantha Max
Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey
By
Giulia Heyward
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .