A bookkeeper at Fresco by Scotto, a Manhattan restaurant owned by Fox 5's "Good Day New York" anchor Rosanna Scotto and her family, sobbed in court Tuesday as she faces charges of stealing approximately $2.5 million.
Lori Jakubowski, 56, is accused of siphoning $2,485,779.79 from the eatery over a seven-year period. Prosecutors allege she used the stolen funds to pay her husband's bills and purchase a home in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for $164,500 in 2023. According to the New York Post, Jakubowski allegedly issued unauthorized paychecks for vacation time, wrote checks, and pocketed cash tips to fund her activities.
Jakubowski pleaded not guilty to charges including grand larceny and falsifying business records. At her arraignment, prosecutors detailed the alleged scheme, stating she laundered at least $100,000 to purchase her Pennsylvania home and wrote 88 individual checks in 2023 for payments. She is also accused of paying her husband's internet bill using the restaurant's bank account.
She was indicted on one count of grand larceny in the first degree, one count of money laundering in the second degree, and two counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of three to nine years.
Jakubowski is currently out on an agreed-upon release and is scheduled to appear in court again on November 10. During a previous hearing, Judge Althea Drysdale cautioned Jakubowski about the importance of attending all court dates, particularly given her ownership of property outside of New York.
Fresco by Scotto, located in Midtown Manhattan, has been owned by the Scotto family since 1993. Rosanna Scotto has been a fixture at Fox 5 for over 40 years, beginning her career there in 1986. The restaurant is frequently featured on her morning program.
