92-year-old Woman Punched on Bus; Apartment Rental Scammer Indicted

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual wanted in connection with an elderly assault that occurred within the confines of the 19th Precinct. Details are as follows:

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, at approximately 1:30 p.m., in the vicinity of East 68th Street and Second Avenue, a 92-year-old female victim and an unidentified individual boarded an M15 MTA bus.

The unidentified individual engaged in an argument with the victim and proceeded to punch her in the face. The victim deboarded the bus while the individual remained on board, traveling southbound to parts unknown.

The victim sustained bruising and swelling but refused medical attention on scene. The suspect is described as a female with medium complexion, with medium build and what appears to be black braided hair. She was last seen wearing a purple top, purple pants, a yellow sweater, and glasses.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.

Apartment Rental Scammer Indicted & Jailed

Everybody has a real estate horror story, and here is one more.

On Oct. 1, D.A. Alvin Bragg announced the indictment of Juan Valoy, 46, for allegedly stealing approximately $25,000 from three victims through an apartment rental scam. Valoy is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree.

“Juan Valoy allegedly preyed on New Yorkers who were simply looking for a stable place to live at a time when affordable housing is scarce,” said Bragg.

“We believe there are additional victims of this scheme and encourage them to contact our Immigrant Affairs Unit at 212-335-3600. Interpreters are available to assist non-native English speakers and we encourage all to reach out regardless of immigration status.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, from March to July 2025, Valoy posed as a real estate broker to attract prospective renters through Facebook Marketplace and third-party referrals. After establishing contact with the prospective renters, Valoy allegedly arranged apartment tours throughout New York City, including Washington Heights, Queens, and the Bronx. Most of the prospective renters were Hispanic.

Valoy allegedly personally solicited and accepted payments from victims of more than $7,000, often in cashier’s checks, for what he claimed were application fees, security deposits, and first month’s rents.

Valoy had no ownership of the apartments, or permission from the actual property owners, but listed the apartments he was offering for rental. After taking the money from the victims, Valoy allegedly repeatedly delayed the move-in date with excuses. When the victims continued to contact him, he cut off communication without ever returning their funds.

At press time, Valoy is being held on Rikers Island on $175,000 bail. His next scheduled court date is Dec. 11.