Woman receives probation for stealing over $162k from employer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A former bookkeeper was sentenced to probation last Tuesday morning for stealing over $162,000 from a Williamsville medical office, the Erie County District Attorney's office announced.

Between January 2019 and May 2023, 48-year-old Carrie Zielinski of Depew stole cash from co-pays paid by patients while working as an accountant and office manager in Williamsville. She was fired from the medical office after a coworker noticed a discrepancy in the documentation of the co-pays. Zielinski stole a total of $162,269.37.

She pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny on Feb. 29. Zielinski signed Confessions of Judgment to pay the full restitution amount to the victim and their insurance companies as a condition of the plea.

As of May 21, she had not paid back any of the money. She was sentenced to five years probation.