Michael D'Antoni Indicted in Alleged $343,000 Fake Levi's Jeans Investment Scheme Targeting Older New Yorkers

Published Oct. 21, 2026. Case status is current as of that date.

He first came into one victim's life as the person overseeing repairs after water damage, according to Manhattan prosecutors. Into another's, after a fire. In each case, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office alleges, he built a rapport and then offered an investment: money to have Levi's jeans made in Colombia and sold in the United States at a profit, with high interest paid every three months.

On Oct. 20, 2026, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the indictment of Michael D'Antoni, 68, on two counts of grand larceny in the second degree, one count of grand larceny in the third degree, and one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree, in New York State Supreme Court [1]. Prosecutors allege he stole $343,200 from three older New Yorkers, including two retirees.

Important: "The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty," the DA's office said [1]. D'Antoni's city of residence was not given in the release.

Status: Indicted. No plea or next court date was reported in the release.

How the alleged scheme worked

According to court documents and statements made on the record, as described by the DA [1]:

1. The access. In summer 2021, D'Antoni was allegedly hired by the first victim's home insurance company as an estimator and to oversee construction at the man's water-damaged home. In December 2023, he was allegedly hired to oversee construction of the second victim's fire-damaged family home.
2. The rapport. Prosecutors say he built relationships with both: the first a recent retiree, the second a woman whose home he was hired to repair.
3. The pitch. He allegedly sought investments to have Levi's jeans manufactured in Medellin, Colombia, and shipped to the United States, where he would sell them at a profit.
4. The promised returns. Prosecutors say he told the first victim he would receive 20% interest compounded for a three-month term plus return of principal; the second, 5%; and a third victim, 4%, each for a three-month term.
5. The money. The first victim gave him $100,000 in July 2023. The second gave $225,000 in five installments between February and June 2024. The third, a woman he allegedly met while she was on vacation in Rome, gave $18,200 in two installments between December 2024 and March 2025.
6. Where it went. None of the victims received interest or their principal back. Instead, prosecutors allege, D'Antoni withdrew cash and spent the money on travel, hotels, restaurants, life insurance and credit card payments, luxury goods and more.

The release does not say whether D'Antoni had any connection to Levi Strauss & Co. There is no allegation in the release that the company was involved, and nothing here suggests it was.

"Michael D'Antoni allegedly scammed three older New Yorkers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by lying about an investment opportunity," Bragg said. "We allege he took advantage of them after building rapports and gaining their trust" [1].

The defendant

Michael D'Antoni, 68. Charged by indictment in New York State Supreme Court with two counts of grand larceny in the second degree, one count of grand larceny in the third degree and one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree. Presumed innocent [1].

The case is being handled by the DA's Elder Abuse Unit within its Special Victims Division [1].

Why "trusted helper" investment pitches work

The person who shows up after a disaster, such as an insurance estimator, contractor or project manager, is often in your home for weeks, sees your finances up close, and becomes someone you rely on. That trust can carry over to an investment pitch that would sound strange coming from a stranger. Short terms and steady, high interest (20% in three months, in one alleged case) make the offer sound safe and quick.

The SEC's investor education site warns about exactly these features. Ponzi-style frauds "often promise to invest your money and generate high returns with little or no risk," and warning signs include "high returns with little or no risk," "unregistered investments" and "unlicensed sellers" [2].

Red flags

• An investment offered by someone you met through a service job, such as a repair, insurance or construction worker, rather than a licensed financial professional.
• Fixed high interest over very short terms, such as 5% to 20% every three months.
• A famous brand name used to make a private deal sound legitimate, without any paperwork from the brand.
• Payments by personal check, cash or transfer directly to the individual.
• Requests that come soon after a loss such as a death in the family, a fire, or a flood.

What to do

1. Check the seller. Federal and state law require investment professionals to be licensed or registered, investor.gov notes; most Ponzi schemes involve unlicensed individuals or unregistered firms [2].
2. Ask for documents you can verify independently, such as contracts with manufacturers and import records, and don't invest if you can't get them.
3. Talk to a family member or independent adviser before handing over large sums, especially after a loss.
4. Report it. The Manhattan DA asks investment scam victims to call 212-335-8900, and older New Yorkers who have been scammed can also call 212-335-9007 [1].

Case status (as of Oct. 21, 2026)

Defendant	Court	Status as of Oct. 21, 2026	Source
Michael D'Antoni, 68	New York State Supreme Court (Manhattan)	Indicted (announced Oct. 20, 2026): 2 counts grand larceny 2nd degree, 1 count grand larceny 3rd degree, 1 count scheme to defraud 1st degree; presumed innocent	[1]

Statuses can change. Those not convicted are presumed innocent.

Sources

1. Manhattan District Attorney's Office, "D.A. Bragg: Man Indicted For Phony $343K Levi's Investment Scheme," Oct. 20, 2026. https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-man-indicted-for-phony-343k-levis-investment-scheme/
2. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Investor.gov, "Ponzi Scheme" (accessed Oct. 21, 2026). https://www.investor.gov/protect-your-investments/fraud/types-fraud/ponzi-scheme

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