Great Neck family accused of cancer charity scam

A temporary restraining order freezing the assets of a Great Neck family accused of operating a bogus breast cancer charity and duping donors of more than half a million dollars was extended for another week Monday.

David Winston, 54, and his wife, Mindy Winston, 53, along with their three adult children set up a sham nonprofit corporation called the Coalition for Breast Cancer Cures and spent donations on personal expenses such as luxury shopping and fine dining, the state attorney general's office said.

The Winstons were in court Monday with their son, Joshua Winston, who turns 25 Wednesday and daughter Rachel Winston, 28. Another daughter, Rebecca, 20, is studying in Italy, said David Winston's attorney, John G. Martin of Great Neck.

State Supreme Court Justice Stephen Bucaria extended the restraining order that he signed last week to Monday, when he is expected to decide whether the order becomes a preliminary injunction.

Michele Abeles, a lawyer representing state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office, said in court that at least 12 people who complained about the fake charity are willing to testify.

Investigators "cannot find a single dime" that went toward anything having to do with fighting breast cancer, Abeles said, and instead the money went "to support their personal lifestyle."

When donors provided credit card numbers, the Winstons made numerous unauthorized charges, Abeles said.

"The defendants are spending the money as fast as it comes in," she said, adding that a Bank of America account opened in November had a $100,000 balance. By the end of February it was down to $200.

Martin said he represents David Winston and can't ethically represent the rest of the family as well.

"We need some time to get counsel," Mindy Winston told Bucaria.

"This came very quickly," her son said, standing in court. "We were thrown a little off guard. We're not trying to trick anyone here. We're just trying to defend ourselves."

When Bucaria asked whether the Winstons have additional bank accounts beyond the ones included in the restraining order, they all invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

The Winstons and Martin declined to comment outside court. The siblings walked out of court clutching each other, with Rachel's head covered in their father's suit jacket.