An Atlantic Beach husband and wife are accused of using an 84-year-old mother’s identity to obtain a home equity line of credit and taking more than $250,000 for personal expenses, Nassau County prosecutors said.
George Frenkel, 65, and Eda Frenkel, 51, were arraigned July 2 before Judge Michael Alpert on charges of second-degree grand larceny and first-degree identity theft.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. They are scheduled to return to court Aug. 7.
According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the couple applied for a home equity line of credit on George Frenkel’s widowed mother’s Atlantic Beach home in March 2021.
Prosecutors allege the application used the woman’s name, date of birth and other personal information. It was purportedly signed electronically by the woman, but listed an email address belonging to George Frenkel.
The application also included a power of attorney dated January 2021 that was purportedly signed by the woman and authorized George Frenkel to act on her behalf, prosecutors said.
The bank approved the HELOC in June 2021 and opened a checking account listing the mother as the owner. A $500,000 agreement was signed June 4, 2021, by George Frenkel as power of attorney, according to prosecutors.
Between June 2021 and August 2025, nearly two dozen checks totaling more than $250,000 were allegedly written from the HELOC account and deposited into Eda Frenkel’s personal bank account.
The money was allegedly used for credit card payments, construction on the couple’s Atlantic Beach home and other personal expenses.
Prosecutors said the defendants made monthly loan payments until the account was closed in August 2025. Approximately $250,000 remains owed, leaving the mother’s property at risk of foreclosure.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said the couple allegedly exploited the elderly woman and used the loan proceeds to support their own lifestyle.
George and Eda Frenkel surrendered to authorities July 2. They face a possible sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The charges are accusations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
