“Police!” Caregivers Embezzle $200,000+ From Elderly Man, Neglect Basic Needs
DEBARYLIFE – An 86-year-old man is said to have had more than $200,000 stolen from him by two individuals who were also his carers and allowed him to live in appalling conditions.
The New York State Comptroller’s Office claims that Devin Zielinski, 33, and Albany resident Amber Diacetis, 30, are accused of misusing the man’s money from Rensselaer County for their purposes.
The victim’s monthly pension was $3,526.70, and his Social Security benefit was $2,138.60. However according to investigators, the couple failed to pay the victim’s mortgage, property taxes, or other payments for four years, which led to the foreclosure of the home, the repossession of his car, and the cutting off of his electricity.
Through an internet site, Diacetis got to know the victim, whose wife had passed away many years earlier and introduced him to Zielinski. Authorities said the two persuaded the man to allow them to take care of him live-in. However according to police, the victim was discovered to need care, the victim’s home had broken toilet and shower fixtures, and there was animal feces on the floor.
Zielinski is still a squatter residing in the house at the moment.
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The purported offenses took place from January 2018 to August 2023. Allegedly, the suspects took out over $200,000 in cash. Without notifying him, a CashApp account was created in the victim’s name. They supposedly paid child support and bought personal goods.
When the victim’s son and daughter-in-law saw questionable activities in the man’s account, they contacted New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. To look into the claimed crimes, DiNapoli’s office collaborated with New York State Police and Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly.
Diacetis and Zielinski were both accused of grand larceny in the second degree. Monday saw the arraignment of Diacetis in Schodack Town Court, while Friday saw the arraignment of Zielinski in Sand Lake Town Court. On June 12, they are expected back in Schodack Town Court.