A Roslyn attorney who founded a non-profit adoption organization has been arrested for stealing thousands of dollars from hopeful parents by promising them babies that didn’t exist. 
Kevin Cohen, 41, was arrested at his home on Friday morning and charged with First Degree Scheme to Defraud, according to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
Since May 2007, Cohen posed himself as a legal expert in adoption proceedings, collecting large sums of money from hopeful couples that he had promised children. Couples gave Cohen the money believing it would be held in escrow to pay for the medical costs and other expenses of birth mothers who wished to have their children adopted. In reality, there were no birth mothers or children.
One couple paid Cohen $65,000 after he claimed to have two prospective out-of-state birth mothers who were looking to give up their babies for adoption. He even went so far as to create forged medical records and information for the fake birth mothers which he gave to other couples looking to adopt.
Cohen founded the adoption center in 2004.
After months of investigation, Rice maintains that the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed. She suspects Cohen may have defrauded several others in his scheme, but fears that some potential victims have been reluctant to come forward based on the emotional toll their prospective adoption has taken on their family.
“Kevin Cohen has not only stolen money from these couples, but he has crushed their dream of becoming parents,” Rice said. “This is among the most morally disgusting thefts I have ever witnessed as a prosecutor. He preyed on the emotions and the hopes of couples at their most vulnerable time. I strongly encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of this man’s scheme to contact my office immediately.”
Anyone who believes that they may be the victim of Cohen’s deception or who has relevant information should contact ADA Andrew Garbarino or Deputy Chief Karen Bennett of the Public Corruption Bureau at 516-680-8624.
