Modest needs? Charity founder accused of embezzling $2.5 million to fund lavish lifestyle

By KAREN MATTHEWS
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The charity was called Modest Needs but federal prosecutors who filed charges against its founder say his weren’t. Prosecutors in Manhattan say Modest Needs founder Keith Taylor had such expensive tastes that he embezzled more than $2.5 million from the charity between 2016 and May 2024 and spent it on meals at some of New York City’s priciest restaurants as well as cosmetic surgery and a luxury apartment. The 56-year-old Taylor was accused in a federal complaint unsealed Tuesday with embezzling funds intended to serve Modest Needs’ mission of helping the needy. Taylor’s attorney said his client denies the charges and looks forward to clearing his name.