NY City "Ritzy Con Gal" Bilked Roche $10 Million

Dina Wein-Reis, 44, who was indicted for defrauding manufacturing companies on October 22 by enticing them to sell goods at discounted promotional rates, was sued in a civil case by Indiannapolis-based Roche Diagnostics Corp. to recover $10 million in losses. A Roche spokeswoman said their civil case was settled, but the details are to remain confidential, due to a gag agreement. According to Roche's complaint, one of Wein-Reis' firms paid $1.7 million for products worth nearly $12 million in 2006. She then used another corporate entity she controls to 90 percent of the goods to Walgreens for $4.6 million. This prompted Walgreens to notify Roche. The criminal case alleges that Wein-Reiss has been involved in this scheme for at least 8 years and victimized at least 50 companies. She and her cohorts would entice corporate executives with promises of jobs, but would cut the promotional deal. Wein-Reis has reportedly amassed a fortune of some $100 million. Five other individuals have also been indicted for conspiracy and wire fraud in the case, including Suzanne Carrico, 34, Sarah Golden, 36, Chaya Cooper, 39, all of New York, Sheryl Raport, 41, of New Jersey and Steve Manenti, 72, of Chicago. Wein-Reis and the other criminal defendants each face 20 years in prison plus fines and restitution.

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