NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Hicksville, NY, March 3, 2026: A Queens man previously arrested in connection with an alleged $62,000 fortune-telling scam in Hicksville is now being sought by Nassau County police after authorities say he failed to comply with court mandates.
Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, 33, had earlier been charged with third-degree grand larceny, attempted grand larceny, and two counts of fortune-telling following allegations that he scammed a 68-year-old woman out of tens of thousands of dollars at an astrology business on South Broadway.
According to police, the woman initially paid $20,000 after being told the money was needed to remove “evil spirits.” Days later, Muneppa allegedly attempted to obtain an additional $42,000 by accompanying her to a bank. A bank employee grew suspicious and contacted authorities, preventing the second transaction. Muneppa was arrested in the parking lot.
He pleaded not guilty and was released pending further court proceedings.
In a social media update, the Nassau County Police Department announced that Muneppa is now listed among individuals wanted for felony and misdemeanor offenses. Police stated that the pictured subjects “have been arrested for the listed crime(s) and then failed to appear in court and/or follow the mandates of their release.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-244-TIPS or through nassaucountycrimestoppers.com.
Under New York law, charging money for fortune-telling services is illegal unless offered strictly for entertainment purposes. In this case, prosecutors allege the services were presented as legitimate spiritual intervention, forming the basis of the criminal charges.
Police have not indicated whether additional victims have come forward.
The case remains under investigation.
