I Imagine, Jules Wainstein has one thing to say to Jonathan Sheffer, “The line forms behind me.”
Sheffer is a famous composer who has written scores for films like Heat and Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles. He’s actually quite an interesting guy. Check out this article on him in New York Social Diary from 2008.
According to multiple reports, in August,2015, Sheffer decided to move to the Apthorp on W. 79th Street, where Jules owns an apartment, after selling his Greenwich Village townhouse for $18 million.
Sheffer had newborn twins at the time so he inquired about any small apartments in the building that might be suitable to house his nanny. The property manager suggest he get in touch with Michael Wainstein. So despite the fact that Michael had no interest in the property that was owned by Jules (and I think perhaps her sister(s) as well) prior to her marriage, he offers to rent it to Sheffer for $4,000 a month. That’s either a hell of a good deal or the place is really tiny or both. Sheffer paid Michael $20,700 for rent, brokers fees and deposits. Sheffer also claims he spent $6,000 repairing the kitchen.
Sheffer then learned that Micheal Wainstein did not own the property. He also learned that Jules was three years behind on her common charges so the apartment could not legally be rented. He has filed a civil suit for $26,700.
The brokers fee really stood out to me as it would seem that this was a contract between the assumed landlord and tenant with no work completed by a broker. So I kept digging around and it seems that Michael asked Sheffer to pay a $5,000 broker fee to Nest Seekers. Since the lawsuit, Nest Seekers has claimed that they had nothing at all to do with the transaction and did not receive any money. Nest Seekers is a defendant on the civil case.
As usual, Michael’s lawyer has made another odd statement. “The evidence will reflect the truth of this case that Mr. Sheffer breached the terms of the lease and now he is looking for a creative way to cancel his obligations. Mr. Wainstein has properly managed and administered the apartment since acquiring it. Mr. Wainstein plans to file his own action to recover what is owed under the terms of the lease and he will seek all remedies and damages available to him under the law.”
Um, the lease was begun in 2015 for two years. The nanny was never able to move in that is what breached the contract. When is this attorney claiming that Michael “acquired” Jules’ apartment? If he “acquired” the apartment, and was properly managing it, then why didn’t he pay the common charges? Just more shady business courtesy of Michael Wainstein. Of the numerous reports I read on this story some mentioned that Michael also has a $23,000 tax lien for New York State income taxes. The line of people Michael Wainstein owes money to seems to continue to grow.
Mistresses must be expensive. What a loser.
You know when this goes to court he’s going to whine about Jules spent ALL HIS money. He is just one of the vultures who grab the bucks and run from any responsibility
What a greasy little weasel. shiver
Fascinating article, Tamara, thanks for the link. What an amazing space. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live there?!
Michael Wainstein is a lying, crooked, thief, a lousy father, and may as well have walked into Jonathan Scheffer’s home and stole the money from the safe in his house. Michael knew the apartment wasn’t available for rent and he took advantage of Scheffer who didn’t know that there wasn’t a broker. I totally believe Scheffer because all he wants is his money back. He isn’t suing for pain and suffering, legal costs, and so on. All he wants is the money back that was stolen from him.
Michael is a POS. I’m sure this isn’t the first person that he has screwed. I’m sure he doesn’t consider himself a criminal, just like Joe and Teresa think they aren’t criminals.
Are there any people on any of the HW shows that aren’t close to going to jail, in jail, or under investigation by the IRS.
Tamara, Thanks for the update and the link. I am reading it now. The guy is fascinating and incredibly talented. I do not normally like very modern homes, but this house seems to be very eclectic which appeals to me. Thanks again.
I’d consider it fishy if I never saw anything from the broker, never got a call from the broker, or went to the brokerage firm. At least in my state, it would work like an attorney. If Michael had hired a broker to handle a deal, then most of if not all of the conversations about the financials would need to be done with the broker and the potential tenant, not the tenant and Michael. If the tenant had his own broker, the conversations would be between the two brokers.
If Michael is doing this kind of thing – I wonder what worse stuff he’s done. I hope that Jules not only has a good attorney, but a great forensic accountant. If they kept some of their assets separate – he could have been committing fraud against her..
I wonder if Jules was entirely unaware of how Michael makes money though. Tempting to view her as an innocent but…I don’t know. She didn’t pay the fees on her own property for 3 years. They both seem like scam artists.
So many great points that you made, Erica! The attorney is good for working out custody, visitation, etc. but a really good forensic accountant would be imperative. You bring up such an interesting point about the possibility that Michael has committed fraud against her. He filed for divorce within a week after she found out about his mistress. He probably was planning on leaving her for months before that. Considering he told the Judge (or his lawyer did) that he didn’t have the money to pay her that much alimony, he probably has been moving money around and out of their joint and or individual accounts. What a scumbag.
Thanks Matzah… but I reread my post and I feel like I am victim blaming Sheffer. I really only know this shit because (a) my dad is a broker and has been for more than my lifetime and (b) one of my career incarnations involved earning “legal secretary status” for the state – didn’t have the community college training, but they had a program where I could earn that job level working with my bosses (legal secretaries and judges)
My dad and my former bosses would be appalled at the fact that Michael (allegedly) spoke with and made promises to a tenant while simultaneously hiring a broker.
This guy may not have known all the rules. There may have been legit reasons that Michael was talking to him about the deal too.
I sometimes think we should be teaching kids how to look up professional ethics and licensing in your state, and how to spot a scammer in high school.
Erica, I think you are missing the point that there was no actual broker involved according to the real estate company, and Sheffer never saw a broker. It appears to be Wainstein trying to get another 5K in HIS pocket.
Yes!!! Well said Matzah. You said everything I was thinking. The “man” is really a deplorable sardonic troll.
Jules could stand in the middle of a busy intersection and the first man to run her over would be better than that miserable little weasel. She seems way to nice to have to put up with his malarkey.
Wow hard to believe he ever thought it was a good idea to appear on TV with his sneaky dealing. They always think no one will find out & expose them which in his case is now the world rather than only locals.
Odd though that Nest Seekers is where Ryan from Million Dollar & couple of other Bravo cast worked there in other locations.
I pray she does not inherit his neglecte by owning the property. Just by being an Observer she probably doesn’t not know all the business deals he made while they were together. This is only the tip of the iceberg unfortunately, sending prayers to Jules baby girl needs them!
Wow! What an absolute fraud.
Maybe he will make friends with Juicy Joe in the future?
This dude is slimy, obviously…but, let this be ANOTHER life lesson, brought to us by Bravo….women/partners: do not remain ignorant when spending money you KNOW is coming in through dirty, nefarious dealings. I don’t hate Jules, I don’t know her, but I believe that she has enjoyed spending money, for along time, that she knew was tainted. She turned a blind eye to it when it served her. If that worked for the couple..fine (not really,) but to boo hoo now is so cliche, and lame, and maddening, and I remember why I don’t live in that city anymore. And still know folks Jules’ hangs out with. Money obsessed. Sad.
I agree missypoo. I doubt she was completely ignorant to what he was doing.
I’ve also been thinking about women who are with men that they know are shady. I have a friend who seemingly has it all: she is beautiful, smart, has a large group of friends, and a $100k diamond on her finger. Unfortunately, the ring is apparently her guy’s way of marking his territory while he serves a nine year sentence in federal prison for fraud (they are not married).
She seems to like the finer things in life but I can’t help but wonder how she stomachs knowing that he’s a bad guy and the money that he spent on her before going in was likely ill-gotten. His crimes are well documented and he plead guilty, so there is no way she can’t know what he did.
I guess my point is that it’s not just the dim bulbs that are taken in by sleazy men and their money. I would never have believed it could happen in my friend’s case, except that it’s absolutely true.
He really is a slimy loser. I really wish the best for Jules , I hope she can overcome this mess. It”s a ton of stress for anyone, much less one with an eating disorder.
But Jules claimed her and Michael had ‘old money’ & Bethenny had new money. Michael better blow the dust off that money and start paying his bills.
This is why I don’t do business with short guys like Michael, we never see eye to eye
nice ?
I think maybe Jules parents had money? But then agian Bethany did not grow up in a trailer park like she wants people to think either – her parents also had money
Jules declared bankruptcy prior to marriage.I don’t trust either one.
How do you know she declared bankruptcy? Please don’t make comments that I have to hunt down sources for.
It was reported on some dubious sites that she declared bankruptcy in 2004 with debts of just $22000. All credit card debt.
I found it odd when I read it, because who declares bankruptcy for such a small amount?
Sounds like bullshit to me.
Ok, so this dude is clearly a weasel. But can someone enlighten me if I’m not getting something? Am I to believe that he rented out Jules’ apartment fraudulently while they were married and she knew nothing of it?
I mean, there’s being naive, and there’s being deaf, dumb and mute.
The apartment was not somewhere Jules ever went to. The tenant never moved in. How would she know about this? Michael would leave early in the morning and go to work in his office every day coming home usually after the kids were in bed need to shower off the other woman. Jules didn’t pick up on that either. She was blindsided. She says she just used his credit card for everything. She doesn’t seem the type to be searching for pay stubs. As long as the card went through she was happy. That is why Bethenny accused her of using her husband as an ATM. She had no income of her own prior to the show.
It’s not like her husband laid around at home everyday drinking wine he made in the basement in his dirty underpants and handed her six figures in small unmarked bills to pay the furniture delivery guy. She knew he was working and she had a credit car or two that he was paying. Why would she think “Him I wonder if he is trying to rent my apartment without telling me?’ There haven’t been any other fraudulent things that we know of. He just seems broke. Wives and mistresses and professional potty trainers and Sometimey School For Jewish Children is all very expensive.
“Sometimey School!” You always crack me up, Tamara.
What you wrote above, Tamara, hysterical! So well said.
Today, I wanna be clear:) the Hampton house may be really sad for her, if it was her dream house. It’s still a huge project she could get stuck dealing with. Just my thoughts.
Seriously. I know SOOOO many divorced people who have said “He/She wasn’t like that when we first got married.” Scum bags always put their best foot forward to reel you in. And then they get comfortable and the mask slips.
It’s likely that Michael married Jules for HER money. And because Jules has had such a privileged life where she hasn’t had to worry about paying bills she didn’t think to consult with anyone or question how the bills were getting paid, or go through the papers herself. She’s gonna learn now, though.
Can you imagine being stuck with that house? Ugghh
The Hampton house.
I agree, Minky. People don’t really change. What you see is what you get when you marry or move in with someone. There are usually lots of clues before you marry, but you either sweep them under the carpet, believe foolishly that things will improve once you’re hitched, or you are just clueless and can’t see the possibility that you are marrying damaged goods.
Every woman should have some vocation that will pay the bills if her husband leaves. Everyone should have the ability to manage their bills, do their taxes or understand what they’re signing, and never choose to be a passive part of a couple when it concerns your collective money, investments, and IRA. My mom was a widow at 39 and she worked with my dad. She made sure all three of her kids went to college, and we all took out state loans to pay for our education. It truly made me appreciate the costs involved and was a good preparation for the real world post college. In my humble opinion.
Let them talk. They will be in prison like Teresa and Juicy. She went bankrupt prior to marriage, she probably signed all her assets over. Don’t trust any one of those two.
Lol TT, sometimey school. Lol.
Jules is not stupid. She knows deep down inside that the family’s bank account is just as small as Michael. This is why their 2nd home has not been completed. Thus is why she is 2 years behind on her HOA’S. Are these two related to Russell and Taylor Armstrong of Beverly Hills?
Very skinny housewife, lawsuits, divorce, smoke & mirrors
Oh geez, I forgot about the bizarrely uncompleted house. You’re right!
I did not get the vibe that Jules was in on the fact that she was married to a criminal. She was a housewife w a staff. I don’t see her getting into discussions w Michael about business. He made the money she ran the house and took care of the kids and shopped and such.
Until the marriage fell apart I’m sure she trusted him to make good business decisions that afforded them a very nice lifestyle.
I don’t see Jules in on any of his criminal behavior I see her as a victim of his just like the man that rented the apartment and I am sure others that will be coming forward
Thanks for posting TT. This reminds me so much of a well known millionaire here in London that spent all his money on his mistress. They were having an affair for a couple of years and instead of caring about his business he stopped and debts came, mounted up and then he had so many debtors. It didn’t end well. Wouldn’t be surprised if love struck Michael is doing the same.
Perhaps Michael told her he was maintaining the apt, paid the fees etc. and she just left it to him to manage because…. because she is Jules and business affairs aren’t her strong point. He may have been snowing her and women who just want to be taken care of by a rich husband don’t generally get involved in how the money comes in. Just that it comes in.
I think being married with kids is about division of labor, whether you’re rich or poor. The management of the finances isn’t always even, just as the childcare isn’t always even, and I think that’s the point of a partnership. I don’t think there was anything wrong with the arrangement and relationship Jules and Michael had when it came to money – it works for lots of people – it only failed for them because he betrayed her. I’m sure he’ll do it to his mistress soon too, I find short men always have these narcissistic tendencies.
TT, I have a question: why would the property manager advise Mr. Sheffer to contact Michael about renting that apartment if it weren’t legally available to be leased? I know the manager may not have known the ins and outs of the HOA fees, but I’d assume he’d be aware of what was legally available for rent. Or am I missing something?
I’m not sure Miele. That’s a good question. I don’t think the property manager would know who is in arrears on common charges…I think that person is more of a rental agent than someone connected to the COA. But why send them to Micheal and not Jules?
Thanks, TT. Yeah, something about the way that all allegedly came about seems fishy. I’m not blaming Mr. Sheffer; it seems like Michael had help in ripping him off. The random, not legit referral, the money ostensibly paid to “Nest Seekers” all seems like a mess too complex for Michael to run alone. But I’m kinda cynical, lol.
My guess would be that the manager knew the apt was vacant & Michael may mentioned they were looking for tenant. Often folks give out finder fees for someone bringing or recommending a place for sale/rent. Maybe the manager was hoping if apt was rented, they would start paying HOA fees.
Hmm. I agree, but I thought the rule is that if the common charges aren’t up to date, the unit cannot be rented. But I may have misunderstood that part. It all seems so extra-shady to me.
Guess that depends on local laws & HOA rules. I currently live in condos where literally half do Not pay their fees which the majority are rented(some are vacant). There are a number who haven’t paid in 5,6 yrs. It would seem like this high end NY place would be strict & already placed a lien on property but who knows what legal wrangling or going’s on behind the scenes.