Steven Winograd is suing his brother, Barry, over $2 million in jewelry and a painting worth $80,000.
WYCKOFF -- A Verona man is accusing his brother, a Wyckoff resident, of stealing their mother's fortune, which includes $2 million in jewelry and a painting worth $80,000, according to a lawsuit filed recently in Bergen County Superior Court.
Barry Winograd is accused of absconding with his mother's fortune, according to a suit filed in Bergen County Superior Court. (File photo) Steven Winograd alleges in court papers that his brother Barry Winograd took ownership of valuable items belonging to their mother, Ruth Winograd, who is "incapacitated" and undergoing medical and nursing care.
The suit states that shortly after Steven obtained power of attorney over his mother, Barry broke into the home where their mother lived and "absconded with an original painting (by) a renowned artist, Pedro Greenberg, (that) has an an anticipated value of $80,000."
Before the theft, Barry was entrusted with $2 million in their mother's jewelry, which he had agreed to secure in his home safe, the suit states.
But when Steven asked Barry for the jewelry so he could liquidate the gems to pay for their mother's nursing treatment, Barry refused, the suit states.
Steven Winograd, "who possesses a durable power of attorney of Mrs. Winograd's person and property has demanded the return of stolen property to no avail," the suit states.
The suit demands return of stolen property, along with compensatory, punitive damages, interest and other relief.
Barry Winograd could not be reached for comment.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.