Former East Ramapo schools chief and Monsey fire commissioner Nathan Rothschild this morning pleaded guilty in Federal Court to engaging in a mail fraud scheme. Rothschild, who is ultra-Orthodox, led the dominant and controversial ultra-Orthodox faction of the East Ramapo school board.
Nathan Rothschild, Ex-Monsey fire commissioner, pleads guilty in fraud scheme
Alex Taylor • Journal News
WHITE PLAINS — Former East Ramapo schools chief and Monsey fire commissioner Nathan Rothschild this morning pleaded guilty to engaging in a mail fraud scheme.
He could face up to 20 years in prison for the felony charge.
But U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Karas in White Plains indicated that Rothschild could serve the term of between 27 to 33 months in prison.
Speaking in court, Rothschild admitted that he had attempted to wipe out his personal debt of $125,000 by selling public property while serving as a Monsey fire commissioner. The scheme appears not have gone far before Rothschild was caught.
"You knew what you were doing was illegal?" Karas asked.
"Yes," Rothschild said.
Rothschild, 54, is currently free on $100,000 bail.
His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 4.