Manhattan-based architect Anthony Ingrao, who has designed homes for Howard Stern and Goldie Hawn, allegedly lost $1 million to an employee.
Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that employee David Ferguson allegedly transferred funds from Ingrao’s account to his own family and business accounts. Ferguson is said to have spent the money in part to purchase pricey art.
Ingrao – who designed the interiors at the Baccarat Hotel and & Residences – discovered the alleged scam after Sotheby contacted him regarding a $100,000 purchase on October 1. That is when he looked at his books and discovered several unauthorized purchases allegedly made by Ferguson.
The sources added that when caught, Ferguson promised to pay the money back and returned some of the cash. But Ingrao filed a police complaint and Ferguson was arrested Monday. [NYP] –Christopher Cameron