Roslyn attorney found guilty of adoption scam
A Nassau County jury deliberating for seven hours over two days found a Roslyn attorney guilty Monday of orchestrating an adoption scam.
Kevin Cohen, 41, was found guilty of 37 charges including grand larceny and forgery. He represented himself during the trial in Mineola, which began Oct. 4.
"He's excitedly looking forward to an appeal," said Adam Moser, of Rockville Centre, who served as Cohen's backup attorney.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 7. Judge John Kase could sentence Cohen to a maximum of 92 years, prosecutors said.
Brigid Vogt of Seaford, one of Cohen's victims, said she and her husband, Ben, paid Cohen $25,500, she said, to adopt a boy who was supposed to be born last February. The Vogts later learned that Cohen was arrested in an adoption scheme involving 11 other families who paid him because they believed he was helping them adopt. Vogt was in court when the verdict was announced.
"It's been a horrible year," she said outside of court. "Thank God it's over."
Vogt said she later adopted a baby girl through legitimate means. She was present for the April birth of her daughter, she said.
"We have a happy ending," she said, adding that the experience with Cohen made her skeptical about trying to adopt again.
Jurors said Cohen shouldn't have represented himself.
"I really think the defendant should have defended himself better," said juror Cherne Holder, 48, of Westbury. "He admitted to everything. He had poor representation."
In his opening argument, Cohen had said he admitted to "98 percent" of the allegations. He contended that he suffers from multiple illnesses ranging from a thyroid condition to bipolar disorder. He claimed he didn't have the intent to commit the crimes because he was "heavily undermedicated."
Prosecutor Karen Bennett said outside of court that she's happy with the verdict: "I think justice was served."
District Attorney Kathleen Rice called Cohen's crimes "unconscionable" and said that the "emotional impact" on the victims will be long-lasting.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 31: 'Walk with Joe,' flag football and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," take a lap with the Middle Country athletic director, Jonathan Ruban checks in with the Copiague flag football team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 31: 'Walk with Joe,' flag football and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," take a lap with the Middle Country athletic director, Jonathan Ruban checks in with the Copiague flag football team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
