Key Highlights
- Lori Jakubowski, a bookkeeper at Rosanna Scotto’s Italian restaurant Fresco by Scotto, is charged with embezzling $2.5 million over seven years.
- Jakubowski allegedly used the stolen funds to buy a house in Pennsylvania and pay her husband’s internet bills.
- The case highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to internal theft.
Exclusive: Bookkeeper Steals $2.5M from NYC Restaurant, Buys House for Herself
A shocking embezzlement scandal has rocked the culinary world in New York City, with a bookkeeper allegedly draining over two and a half million dollars from an upscale Italian restaurant owned by renowned news anchor Rosanna Scotto.
Seven-Year Scheme Uncovered
Lori Jakubowski, who worked as the bookkeeper at Fresco by Scotto since 2018, is facing multiple charges of embezzlement after prosecutors revealed a seven-year scheme. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office claims that Jakubowski siphoned off $2.5 million from the Midtown East hotspot co-owned by Rosanna Scotto and her children.
Alarming Use of Stolen Funds
The stolen money was not only used to fund Jakubowski’s lavish lifestyle but also for more personal expenses. According to court documents, she spent at least $100,000 on a house in Pennsylvania with her husband. Assistant District Attorney Stephen MacArthur revealed during Jakubowski’s first court appearance that the bookkeeper had run up bills for her spouse, including internet services.
“(She) used the restaurant’s bank account to pay for her husband’s Spectrum Internet bill,” stated MacArthur, highlighting the personal nature of this fraudulent activity. Additionally, Jakubowski reportedly issued unauthorized paychecks for vacation time and made 88 separate checks over a four-day period to purchase the house.
Restaurant’s Financial Impact
Fresco by Scotto has been a fixture in the New York dining scene since its opening in 1993. The eatery is known for offering an “extension of true Italian hospitality,” according to their website. Rosanna Scotto, who also hosts “Good Day New York,” co-owns the restaurant with her children Jenn and LJ Ruggiero.
A spokesperson for Fresco by Scotto confirmed that they are fully cooperating with the investigation into this case. The restaurant has recently renewed its lease at 485 Madison Avenue, a testament to its enduring popularity despite the current financial turmoil.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
Jakubowski was arraigned on charges of grand larceny and falsifying business records in Manhattan Supreme Court. She faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, with Judge Althea Drysdale releasing her on supervised probation for now.
“As much as you have that other abode in Pennsylvania, you must come to court when I tell you to come to court,” the judge warned Jakubowski during her arraignment. The bookkeeper pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return in February 2026 for further proceedings.
The case underscores the importance of robust internal controls within businesses, especially those relying on cash-heavy operations like restaurants. As the investigation continues, the fate of Lori Jakubowski remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the restaurant industry faces significant challenges beyond just its patrons’ tables.