Convicted Landlord Steve Croman will be Sent to Rikers Tomorrow

Photo: Croman Tenants Alliance

For Steve Croman, sentencing day is again nigh. The controversial landlord returns to court tomorrow to hear what he already knows. He’s going to Rikers for a year-long stay.

Manhattan State Supreme Court Justice Jill Konviser had previously postponed Croman’s sentencing another two weeks so that he could observe the Jewish High Holidays. The reprieve was granted after the convicted landlord reportedly paid $3 million of the $5 million tax settlement owed.

Prosecutors on behalf of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman opposed the motion, but it passed nonetheless.

Quite ironic that a man often referred to as the “Bernie Madoff of landlords” was able to remain free during Yom Kippur, of all days. Did Croman spend the day in solemn reflection of the years spent harassing rent-regulated tenants? Did he repent for the years of coercion, frivolous lawsuits against tenants, intimidation tactics, allegedly rewarding employees who got tenants to leave, the local businesses lost…? The list goes on.

Croman was convicted this past summer on felony charges of grand larceny, tax fraud and filing a false instrument, but copped a plea deal in June to reduce the ultimate sentence. Under the terms of his plea, Croman will serve one year on Rikers Island and is forced to pay a $5 million tax settlement.

Meanwhile, Schneiderman continues to pursue the civil lawsuit against Steve Croman for “allegedly engaging in harassment of rent-regulated tenants and other illegal, fraudulent, and deceptive conduct in connection with his real estate business.” The Attorney General reportedly seeks an outcome where Croman must forfeit his business and pay restitution.