WOODMERE:Cops say Isaac Zucker stole money from the Congregation Aish Kodesh bank account.

Police: Synagogue treasurer caught embezzling $600,000

(06/29/11) WOODMERE - The treasurer of a Woodmere synagogue is being accused of stealing more than $600,000 from his congregation.

According to detectives, Isaac Zucker, 47, transferred the money from the Congregation Aish Kodesh bank accounts into his own personal accounts in the course of three years.

Members of the congregation discovered the alleged misappropriations after receiving a call from the bank and notified police.

"Some checks bounced, and we checked the statements and it was immediately apparent what happened," says synagogue board chairman Azriel Ganz.

Zucker, a father of three, was reported missing by his wife Friday. Police tracked him down and arrested him last night at the Holiday Inn in Ronkonkoma.

"It's unknown what his plans were, but I guess one could surmise he was planning to leave the area," says Detective Lt. Kevin Smith, of the Nassau County Police Department.

Zucker was arraigned today on a first-degree larceny charge. His bail was set at $150,000 cash or $300,000 bond. He is due back in court next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Aish Kodesh congregants held an emergency fundraiser over the weekend and raised $200,000 to help them pay the mortgage and other bills.

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