Fraud was family business

NEW YORK (AP/1010 WINS) -- Prosecutors have charged a father, mother and daughter in a $1.75 million immigration and real estate fraud targeting the Queens West Indian community.

Shane, Gomatee and Shantal Ramsundar pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges including grand larceny, money laundering and scheme to defraud. They were being held on a combined $8 million bail.

The Queens district attorney's office claims the family members used their connections to the West Indian community to scam 19 people over nearly six years. Prosecutors say some victims were promised assistance with getting legal immigration status. Some were offered cheap access to federally seized properties.

Lawyer John A. Scarpa Jr. says his client, 23-year-old Shantal, was not a knowing participant and believed whatever she was told by her dad.