HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. — A New Windsor man who exploited a woman he met on Bumble has been sentenced to four to 12 years in state prison and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.
Michael Benedetto, 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny in July 2024, admitting he stole more than $50,000 from the victim. He failed to appear at his initial sentencing, prompting a bench warrant and leading to an enhanced prison term.
The case stems from a relationship that began in June 2020, when Benedetto matched with the victim on Bumble. Over time, he convinced her to send him money, claiming it was for his sick dog, medical bills, and moving expenses. Authorities said his requests escalated until it became clear he was manipulating her.
“He violated the victim’s trust and enriched himself at her expense,” Hoovler said. “This was financial exploitation built on lies.”
Law enforcement located Benedetto on July 19, 2023, in a Home Depot parking lot in Nanuet. He was arrested with assistance from the Town of Clarkstown Police, Spring Valley Police, New York State Police, and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center.
Hoovler credited the Joint White Collar Crimes Task Force, which he launched with Sheriff Paul Arteta in March 2023, for the investigation. The task force includes multiple agencies and focuses on public corruption, contractor fraud, embezzlement, and complex theft cases.
“This defendant showed clear disregard for the justice system,” Hoovler said. “The substantial sentence reflects the damage he caused and the resources required to bring him in.”
Sheriff Arteta emphasized the broader message: “Financial exploitation, especially when built on trust, will be met with consequences,” he said. “I’m proud of the teamwork and commitment shown in this case.”
Records show Benedetto was held at Orange County Jail as of Thursday. It remains unclear how he evaded capture after missing sentencing.
Online dating fraud continues to rise nationwide. In this case, Benedetto used a fabricated narrative to build sympathy and coerce payments from the victim. Investigators confirmed none of his claimed emergencies were real.
While no sentence can undo the emotional and financial harm done, officials said this case sets a precedent. Justice was served, and a scammer is off the streets — and off dating apps — for the foreseeable future.
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
