White Plains, NY – A 39-year-old White Plains man, Paul DiPietro, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $105,000 from The Snackery Bake Shop in Rye during his employment, officials said. The case highlights the risks small businesses face from internal fraud and the importance of oversight in managing company finances.
Details of the Theft
According to prosecutors, between 2021 and 2022, DiPietro allegedly used his position at the bakery to divert funds for personal gain. The methods included:
- Adding unauthorized salary increases to his biweekly paycheck.
- Making personal charges on the bakery’s credit card.
- Using company funds to pay his personal American Express bill.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our county’s economy, and they often have the fewest resources to defend themselves against fraudulent conduct,” said Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace.
“That Mr. DiPietro targeted his then-employer, a beloved bake shop in the Rye community, for his misdeeds is deeply troubling. We are working to ensure the victim in this case is made whole, as we do for all victims of economic crimes.”
Legal Proceedings
DiPietro pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge George Fufidio in April 2026. The investigation into the theft was conducted by the City of Rye Police Department, which worked closely with the District Attorney’s Office to compile evidence of the unauthorized transactions and financial misconduct.
Impact on Business and Community
The theft had a significant financial impact on The Snackery Bake Shop, a small, locally owned bakery in Rye. Prosecutors emphasized the vulnerability of small businesses to internal fraud, noting that they often have limited resources to monitor employee activity and protect against financial misappropriation.
“The actions of Mr. DiPietro not only caused financial harm but also betrayed the trust of a community business,” DA Cacace said.
The bakery, well-known in the Rye community, relies on customer loyalty and careful financial management to operate, and officials are working to ensure the bakery recovers from the losses.
Conclusion
The guilty plea by Paul DiPietro serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and proper financial controls in small businesses. With sentencing scheduled for April, authorities continue to emphasize accountability for employees who engage in fraudulent activities.
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