A New York woman has pleaded guilty to taking $2 million of money meant for a homeless shelter she ran in the Bronx and spending it on shopping sprees at luxury stores in the city.
Ethel Denise Perry, 66, was the executive director of Millennium Care, which was given a $10 million contract by the City of New York to run a 100-person shelter.
Yet between 2013 and 2016, Perry used Millennium Care 'as her own personal piggy bank', according to the state's attorney general, Letitia James.
James said Perry illegally took more than $2 million from Millennium Care for luxury shopping sprees at retailers such as Tiffany & Co, Manolo Blahnik, Ferragamo and Bergdorf Goodman, and to pay for her cars, gym membership, and other personal expenses.
'Stealing money that is earmarked for people experiencing homelessness is as immoral as it is illegal,' said James.
Ethel Denise Parry, 66, pleaded guilty on Friday to taking millions from the non-profit she ran to provide homeless shelters, and using it on luxury spending sprees
Perry ran a homeless shelter in this building in the Bronx, with room for 100 people
James noted that she had also hired her brother, William Perry, and nephew, Jose Colon, and paid them 'far in excess of their reported salaries'.
She added: 'This individual broke the law by failing to pay taxes while taking money from a homeless shelter in order provide a luxurious lifestyle for herself and her family members.
'Such actions will never be tolerated in New York, and I will continue to do everything within my power to hold those who take advantage of vulnerable communities accountable.'
Perry signed a plea deal with James's office on Friday, and admitted using money the city paid Millennium Care to cover over $1 million in personal credit card bills.
She took $2,394,169 from Millennium Care beyond her official salary, the New York Times said.
Her felony plea agreement bars her from nonprofit service, and requires her to pay the $1,138,208 that she owes in New York City and state taxes, penalties, and interest during a five-year probation sentence.
Perry was accused by city authorities of 'appalling' greed and 'callous disregard for those desperate to help'
Perry spent the money designated for the homeless shelter at shops such as Tiffany's
She also splashed out at Bergdorf Goodman, one of Manhattan's ritziest department stores
Her company, Millennium Care, Inc. will pay a fine of $2,394,169 and will be dissolved.
Amanda Hiller, the acting commissioner of taxation and finance, condemned Perry's 'greed' and 'callous' behavior, and said she gave non-profits a bad name.
'This is an appalling case of greed and callous disregard for those desperate for help, one that unfairly tarnishes all the charitable organizations throughout New York who do so much good,' she said.
'By flouting her tax obligations, the perpetrator also deprived communities of critical funding for other essential public services.'
Perry is also the founder of the Millennium Dance Company - a Bronx-based studio for young people, which she has run since 1994.
Photos on social media show Perry elegantly dressed, frequently wearing flowing scarves and smart loafers.
In one photo, she is seen with what appears to be a Chanel quilted handbag.
Perry also ran a dance studio, and on the Instagram page of the Bronx-based site posed with what appeared to be a Chanel handbag
Perry, in pearl necklace and matching earrings, is seen during an event for her dance studio
