NY Man Steals Former Employer’s Daughter’s Ashes to Extort $8,000
Nuo Chen, a 30-year-old Flushing, New York resident, was arrested in Pennsylvania after allegedly stealing the cremated remains of his former employer’s daughter and demanding up to $8,000 for their return. According to Montgomery County court documents, the theft followed a wage dispute and Chen’s termination from a nail salon in Bensalem.
The victim told police she fired Chen after his behavior toward customers became “abnormal” and “disturbing.” Following his dismissal, Chen reportedly returned to the salon multiple times to engage in conflicts with the owner.
Why did the theft and extortion occur?
On June 12, Chen returned to the Bensalem salon to demand payment for wages he claimed were owed to him. Court documents state a dispute ensued, during which Chen threatened to destroy shop property and pushed the owner, causing injury.
Bensalem police ordered Chen to leave the premises, but surveillance footage reveals he drove directly to the owner’s residence in Willow Grove. Footage shows Chen attempting to enter the home and later leaving the driveway carrying a dark box.
The owner later discovered the box contained the ashes of her deceased daughter. She informed police that Chen had stayed at her home twice in the previous two months and suspects he stole house and spare car keys during those visits.
How was the suspect caught and the remains recovered?
Following the theft, Chen contacted the victim by phone. According to the indictment, Chen admitted to possessing the ashes and demanded between $7,000 and $8,000 for their return.
Police reports state Chen warned the victim not to contact authorities. He threatened to either dump the ashes or transport them back to New York, which would prevent the mother from ever recovering her daughter’s remains.
Law enforcement coordinated a sting operation with the victim. When Chen arrived at a scheduled meeting to exchange the remains for money, police apprehended him and recovered the urn.
What charges does Nuo Chen now face?
Chen is currently facing multiple criminal charges, including burglary, criminal trespass, theft, and receiving stolen property. He is also charged with extortion.
The case remains under judicial review as the legal process continues in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the suspect in this case?
The suspect is Nuo Chen, a 30-year-old man residing in Flushing, New York.
How much money did the suspect demand?
According to court documents, Chen demanded between $7,000 and $8,000 to return the cremated remains.
How did the suspect gain access to the victim’s home?
The victim suspects Chen stole house and spare car keys while staying at her residence on two occasions over a two-month period.
How should business owners better secure their private residences when employees have temporary access to their homes?