Fitness Trainer Allegedly Defrauded New Yorkers Out of Over $100,000
A fitness trainer is accused of defrauding renters in New York City of more than $100,000, along with almost a dozen of his workout clients, before he fled to Connecticut, according to Manhattan prosecutors.
Jerry Genesis, 35, was indicted this week on various charges of real estate fraud, where he allegedly misled victims into believing he had sublet apartments in sought-after areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn, collecting fraudulent tenancy fees from them.
This wasn’t his first brush with the law.
Genesis, who lives in the Bronx, was previously indicted in February for refund fraud connected to his personal training business. Court documents suggest that at least ten victims lost money over several months in 2023.
In that instance, it seems the accused scam artist fled while under supervised release. He was apprehended in Stamford, Connecticut, following a three-hour standoff with police.
He was later extradited back to New York City, where he’s now facing charges related to grand theft and a sublease scheme, as confirmed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
According to prosecutors, Genesis had at least eight victims sign fraudulent sublease agreements and extorted tenancy fees totaling $101,692 from them between November 2024 and July of this year.
“Jerry Genesis exploited the fierce housing market in New York, effectively stealing hard-earned money from people who trusted him to find them places to live,” commented prosecutor Alvin Bragg.
Genesis reportedly advertised apartments in well-known rental neighborhoods, such as the East Village, Chinatown, Nolita, Chelsea, and downtown Brooklyn, falsely claiming he was seeking subtenants for leases.
Victims would meet with him, sign documents, and pay fees ranging from $8,000 to $17,200, but none could actually move into the apartments they believed they had rented, according to the prosecution.
In a particularly distressing case, one victim arrived with belongings in hand only to discover an eviction notice taped on the door.
Genesis is also accused of fraudulently renting an apartment by misrepresenting his job and income on the rental application, without ever paying rent.
“As alleged, he took advantage of the highly competitive housing market to swindle eight people,” said Bragg. “One victim lost his home before realizing he was being scammed.”
Additionally, Genesis faces charges of bail jumping after leaving the state and missing a court appearance related to his previous fraud accusations involving his personal training business.
A TikTok user claimed Genesis stole nearly $10,000 from a long-time fitness client, who described feeling embarrassed to have been scammed by someone they trusted.
Genesis also allegedly accumulated more than $22,000 in unauthorized charges on a credit card rather than issuing promised refunds.
In light of the severity of the case, prosecutors announced that Genesis will be held without bail.
