Jun 20, 2008 6:19 pm US/Eastern
Feds Intensify Search For MIA Hedge Fund Swindler
Girlfriend Admits Helping Him Disappear
ARMONK, N.Y. (CBS) ―
-
-
Missing hedge fund swindler Samuel Israel III went on the run in a white recreational vehicle carrying a motor scooter, according to federal agents. (File)
CBS
-
-
Debra Ryan, of Armonk, admitted to investigators that she helped Samuel Israel pack up the RV and saw him park it on a highway rest area on June 9, the day he was supposed to report to federal prison for the start of a 20-year term.
CBS
-
-
This is a picture of the RV federal agents believe missing hedge fund swindler Samuel Israel III went on the run in.
CBS
US Marshals are intensifying the search for Samuel Israel III, the hedge fund swindler who appears to have faked his suicide. The case took a twist Thursday when Israel's girlfriend was accused of helping him disappear.
Along with federal authorities, media have staked out at the Armonk home shared by Israel and his girlfriend Debra Ryan.
"When I found out this morning, I felt bad for her. She's really just a nice lady," said surprised neighbor Darci DiBari.
Israel was supposed to report to federal prison on June 9 after being convicted of swindling hedge-fund investors out of hundreds of millions. That same day, his SUV was found on Bear Mountain Bridge with the words 'suicide is painless' drawn on the hood in dust.
The next day, Ryan told investigators she found a suicide note. Federal authorities then discovered Israel had recently purchased a $50,000 Coachman Freelander RV from a man in Medford, Long Island.
Authorities say Ryan admitted helping Israel load belongings into the RV, which they believe was his comfortable getaway vehicle after the fake suicide.
Ryan also owns a home in the Byram section of Greenwhich, which she uses as a base for her decorative painting business.
Neighbor Greg Goodwin sees her often. "She just seemed like a hard worker, took care of the house over there, seemed like a normal person," said Goodwin. "I'm very surprised at that.
Sources tell CBS 2 HD U.S. Marshals are convinced Ryan knows more about her boyfriend's disappearance then she is letting on. They are re-interviewing his friends, family, and associates as they feverishly work to locate the missing swindler.
Investigators say the RV may have a blue scooter hanging on the back. Anyone who sees the vehicle is urged to contact the police.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments