EAST MEADOW, NY — A Hempstead woman who operated a travel agency has been arrested for allegedly defrauding multiple victims out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Tavia Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, was the sole owner of Destiny Travel, located at 1936 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, according to Nassau County Police.
Police say Thomas defrauded victims in three separate incidents between July and September 2024.
On July 8, 2024, Thomas allegedly received $35,753.98 from nine victims for a Royal Caribbean Cruise departing from Bayonne, New Jersey.
Upon arrival at the cruise port, the victims were notified by an employee that their tickets were fraudulent and the cruise they booked did not exist, police said.
On July 16, 2024, Thomas allegedly received $5,000 from two victims for a destination wedding.
The ALG Vacations resort venues were never booked, according to police.
Several members of the wedding party also made payments to Thomas, bringing the total amount received to $7,660.
The victims never received refunds, police said.
On September 4, 2024, a victim reported she booked a 75th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic for her mother through Destiny Travel.
Thomas allegedly received $10,034.16 from the victim and her 50 family members.
The accommodations were never paid for and no refunds were given, according to police.
Thomas was charged with three counts of grand larceny in the third degree, three counts of scheme to defraud in the first degree, and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree.
Detectives are asking anyone who believes they were a victim of a similar incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
