Two people have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from an 86-year-old Rensselaer County man. The victim, an 86-year-old New York State and Local Retirement System pensioner, met 30-year-old Amber Diacetis, of Albany through an online service. Diacetis then introduced the victim to 33-year-old Devin Zielinski and the two then allegedly schemed to convince the victim to become his live-in caregivers.
The victim, whose wife had died many years before and had no other direct support, received a monthly income of $3,526.70 for his pension and $2,138.60 from Social Security. The subjects persuaded the victim to agree to have them ostensibly pay his bills for him. However, the subjects did not pay the victim’s mortgage and property taxes or other bills for four years, causing the home to be placed in foreclosure, his vehicle to be repossessed, and his electricity to be turned off due to an overdue balance. Meanwhile, the defendants used the money for their personal entertainment. The victim was unaware his bills were not being paid due to his isolation and condition.
After becoming aware of suspicious financial transactions in the victim’s account, the victim’s son and daughter-in-law reached out to DiNapoli’s office because the victim was a NYSLRS pensioner receiving monthly retirement payments. DiNapoli’s office then partnered with DA Donnelly’s office and the State Police to investigate the alleged crimes.
Between Jan. 2018 – Aug. 2023, a total of $338,000 in pension and Social Security Income (SSI) were deposited into the victim’s account. The investigation revealed that the defendants allegedly made more than $200,000 in cash withdrawals. In addition, a CashApp account was opened in the victim’s name without the victim’s knowledge. The subjects also used the victim’s accounts to purchase personal items, as well as pay for child support.
In addition to the alleged theft, the defendants’ actions caused the victim to live in deplorable conditions: the toilet and shower in the home were inoperable, animal feces were on the floor and the victim was found in need of care. He was subsequently provided with the necessary treatment and services and is no longer living in his house.
Zielinski remained in the home after the victim was removed and foreclosure proceedings began. Zielinski currently resides at the property in a squatter capacity.
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