Albany Man Sentenced for $230K Elderly Scam

Devin Zielinski pleaded guilty to stealing from 87-year-old victim over several years.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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An Albany man has been sentenced to several years in state prison for stealing over $230,000 from an elderly victim. Devin Zielinski and his partner Amber Diacetis had met the 87-year-old victim through an online service and convinced him to let them become his live-in caregivers and control his finances. Over several years, they stole the victim's monthly pension and Social Security benefits, failed to pay his bills, and caused his home to be foreclosed on and his car to be repossessed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of elder financial abuse, where vulnerable seniors are targeted by unscrupulous individuals who exploit them for financial gain. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect the elderly from such predatory schemes.

The details

Zielinski pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny in April 2025. He and Diacetis reportedly stole over $230,000 from the 87-year-old victim, including his monthly pension and Social Security benefits. They also failed to pay the victim's mortgage, bills, and property taxes for four years, leading to the foreclosure of his home, the power being shut off, and his car being repossessed. The home was also found to be in poor condition, with an inoperable shower and toilet, as well as animal droppings on the floor.

  • Zielinski pleaded guilty in April 2025.
  • Zielinski was originally scheduled to be sentenced in June 2025 but failed to appear in court.
  • Police located and arrested Zielinski in Cohoes in October.

The players

Devin Zielinski

An Albany man who pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny for stealing over $230,000 from an elderly victim.

Amber Diacetis

Zielinski's partner in the alleged scheme, who was previously sentenced to time in jail, ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution, and serve five years of probation.

87-year-old victim

The elderly victim who was targeted by Zielinski and Diacetis, who stole his monthly pension and Social Security benefits and caused him to lose his home and car.

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What’s next

Zielinski has been sentenced to two to six years in state prison and ordered to pay $115,000 in restitution.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger protections and oversight to safeguard elderly individuals from financial exploitation and predatory schemes that can devastate their lives and financial security.