Former Officer of 100 Black Men of New Jersey Arrested, Charged with Defrauding Charity of More than $150,000

NEWARK – A former officer of the non-profit charity “100 Black Men of New Jersey” was arrested today on charges that he defrauded the organization of more than $150,000 during his tenure as executive vice-president, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

A criminal Complaint charges that Keith DaCosta, 43, of Newark improperly used the name and credit of the 100 Black Men of New Jersey (100BMNJ) and affiliated organizations to lease and otherwise obtain property for personal ventures, and took money from the bank accounts of 100BMNJ and other affiliated entities for his personal benefit. According to the Complaint, the conduct occurred between March 2001 and February 2004, while DaCosta served as executive vice-president of 100BMNJ, an unpaid, volunteer position.

DaCosta was arrested early this morning at his home by Special Agents of the FBI. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance at 2:30 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald J. Hedges in federal court in Newark.

The 100BMNJ is a non-profit, charitable organization operating in New Jersey. The mission of the social services organization is to improve the quality of life and enhance the educational opportunities for African-Americans. The organization is funded by various grants, memberships, and fund-raisers. 100BMNJ is a chapter of a national organization known as the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The national chapter has regional affiliates throughout the United States, including a chapter in Atlanta known as the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.

According to the Complaint, DaCosta improperly entered into leases binding the 100BMNJ and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., causing those organizations to incur liabilities. DaCosta allegedly entered into the leases to obtain office equipment and rebate checks for the benefit of DaCosta and his personal, for-profit, home health services company, No Barriers Home HealthCare Services, Inc., in New Jersey.

The Complaint further charges that DaCosta used two bank accounts affiliated with the 100BMNJ’s prostate cancer awareness initiatives for personal expenses including hotel stays, meals, dry cleaning, a $275 pair of Pelle shoes purchased at The Mall at Short Hills, a $374 fedora and pocket money.

According to the Complaint, as a result of his fraudulent activity involving the three leases and two bank accounts, DaCosta defrauded the 100BMNJ and affiliated organizations of more than $156,000.

The Complaint charges one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine equal to the greatest of $250,000 or twice the gross gain to DaCosta or loss to the victims of his alleged crime. The charges in the criminal Complaint are merely accusations. DaCosta is presumed innocent unless and until convicted of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Leslie G. Wiser, Jr., for developing the case against DaCosta.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judith H. Germano and Marc Larkins of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark.

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Defense Attorney: Richard M. Roberts, Esq., West Caldwell