Judge orders psych exam for alleged Hamptons con artist
Nydia Vega, 63, leaves court after prosecutors accused her of being a high-society con artist. (Sept. 2, 2010) Credit: Asbury Park Press / Mary Frank
A woman who allegedly scammed tens of thousands of dollars from East End shops last year while posing as a wealthy Hamptons widow will undergo a psychological evaluation, a Suffolk judge said Tuesday.
Nydia Vega, 63, was not in court when County Court Judge Martin Efman ordered the exam at the request of Susan Ambro, Vega's court-appointed Legal Aid attorney.
Outside court, Ambro said she wants to better understand Vega's state of mind "to explain some types of behaviors" exhibited by Vega. "I just need some background on her," Ambro said.
Prosecutors say Vega, while living in a rented Westhampton home in summer 2009, used bad checks to buy $50,000 worth of merchandise, including a motorcycle, lingerie and patio furniture.
Vega pleaded not guilty in September to two counts of third-degree grand larceny, one count of fourth-degree grand larceny and four counts of issuing a bad check. She is being held in Suffolk County jail on $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash bail.
Prosecutors have said there is an ongoing investigation of Vega, and more charges are expected.
She is due back in court on Nov. 29.
After 47 years, affordable housing ... Let's Go: Williamsburg winter village ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
After 47 years, affordable housing ... Let's Go: Williamsburg winter village ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
