The former director of Maywood’s Lydecker Manor admits to stealing $544k
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Maywood NJ, Trust is the foundation of any senior living community, but a high-level official in Maywood, New Jersey, has just admitted to a massive breach of that faith. Elaine Benanti, the former managing director of Lydecker Manor, has pleaded guilty to embezzling over half a million dollars from the facility she was tasked with leading.
The announcement from the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office pulls back the curtain on a multi-year scheme that drained funds intended for the care of vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities.
The Scheme: How $544,000 Vanished
Benanti, a 69-year-old resident of Garfield, worked at Lydecker Manor for over two decades. As the managing director from 2017 to 2021, she held the keys to the kingdom, supervising staff and handling financial reports for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
According to federal investigators, Benanti exploited her position through several fraudulent methods:
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Unauthorized Salaries & Bonuses: Benanti issued checks to herself and four other employees that far exceeded the amounts approved by the facility’s Board of Trustees.
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Family Kickbacks: She admitted to issuing an insurance payment to a relative who was never even employed by the manor.
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The “Bonus” Glitch: In 2021 alone, Benanti pocketed an extra $40,000 on top of her already substantial $132,613 salary, while also inflating her year-end bonuses.
Justice in the Courtroom
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo on January 20, 2026, Benanti officially pleaded guilty to stealing and fraudulently obtaining funds.
The Legal Fallout:
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Forfeiture: As part of her plea deal, Benanti has agreed to forfeit the full $544,290.
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Prison Time: The embezzlement charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
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Fines: She faces a potential fine of up to $250,000.
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Sentencing Date: The final judgment is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
About Lydecker Manor
Lydecker Manor is a critical 136-unit residence in Maywood, operated by the nonprofit Maywood Senior Citizens Housing Corporation. Because the facility receives HUD funding, the embezzlement isn’t just a local theft—it’s a federal crime involving the misuse of taxpayer dollars meant for public housing.
The Impact: For a nonprofit dedicated to senior housing, a loss of over half a million dollars can lead to deferred maintenance, staffing shortages, and reduced services for the elderly.
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