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The former director of one of Los Angeles' oldest synagogues is accused of embezzling funds to help fuel his gambling and substance abuse addictions.
Eric Nicastro served as the top executive for Adat Ari El for 11 years, earning $215,000 a year by the time he left the position in 2025.
Nicastro, after being cornered during an intense Zoom meeting last July, allegedly admitted to his colleagues he was a 'sick person' plagued by drug and gambling addictions.
Nicastro and his wife, Jessica Alpert, are under investigation for allegedly submitting fraudulent invoices for services and expenses, and pocketing funds reimbursed by the synagogue, according to a lawsuit. Alpert has since filed for divorce.
In a 20-page civil complaint, Adat Ari El officials alleged Nicastro breached his contract by misappropriating $300,000 to $400,000 in Adat's money, assets and property 'for his and his family's personal benefit.'
'Moreover, Eric Nicastro also stole $15,000 in cash which was held in Adat's safe to which Mr Nicastro had sole access,' according to the complaint. 'When another employee discovered the theft, Eric Nicastro stated that he would call the police to investigate this theft.
'He never did. Adat is informed and believes and thereon alleges that Eric Nicastro perpetrated other fraudulent schemes against Adat which are currently under investigation.'
The lawsuit filed by Adat officials claimed Alpert should also be held liable because she allegedly received proceeds of Nicastro's embezzlement schemes.
'Some of the proceeds from these thefts were deposited into Eric Nicastro and Jessica Alpert's community property checking account and thereafter spent for the benefit of the community,' the complaint read.
Alpert, a local interior designer, has denied all the allegations against her and stated in her counter filing that she was never an Adat employee.
Nicastro and Alpert have not been charged with any crime.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
