Saratoga County District Attorney Announces 3-To-9-Year Prison Sentence in Construction Fraud Scheme

Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby announced recently that Kirsten Zubini has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in state prison after pleading guilty to Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree, a Class B felony, in connection with a complex financial scheme that resulted in the theft of more than $1 million from a local institution.

The investigation revealed that Zubini, working with affiliates, contacted the institution while it was in the midst of a large-scale construction project. She falsely represented that they were associated with the construction company performing work on the project and fraudulently directed the institution to divert payment for construction services into a bank account controlled by Zubini.

Through this scheme, Zubini obtained more than $1 million in funds belonging to the institution. After discovering that the payment had been fraudulently diverted, the institution immediately took steps to reverse the transaction. Thanks to the swift response and cooperation of the institution, a local bank, and law enforcement, all but approximately $20,000 of the stolen funds were immediately recovered.

Following Zubini’s arrest, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office continued its investigation in collaboration with the New York State Police and FBI Financial Crimes Task Force. The ongoing investigative efforts focused on examining the complex financial scheme and identifying the full scope of Zubini’s conduct and that of her affiliates.

As part of her sentence, Zubini was ordered to pay $20,426 in restitution to the institution. She was also subject to a DNA order and waiver of appeal and was assessed the applicable fine and surcharge.

“This case demonstrates the significant financial harm that sophisticated fraud schemes can inflict on local institutions,” District Attorney Brett Eby stated. The defendant’s actions resulted in the theft of more than $1 million, but the swift response of the victim’s bank and law enforcement made it possible to recover nearly all of the stolen funds. I commend everyone involved for their diligence and commitment to holding the defendant accountable.”

District Attorney Eby extended his appreciation to the members of the New York State Police and the FBI Albany Field Office for their hard work and investigative efforts throughout this case.

The District Attorney’s Office also recognized Senior Assistant District Attorney Andreanna Diliberto for her work in prosecuting the case and her efforts in bringing the defendant to justice.