Former Worker Embezzled $100K From Beloved Bakery That Recently Closed Its Doors

RYE, NY — A former employee of an iconic Westchester bakery has admitted to stealing more than $100,000 from the small business.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Friday that the former employee of The Snackery Bake Shop, in Rye, has pleaded guilty in connection with his theft of over $100,000 from the bakery during his employment there.

See Also: After Nearly 2 Decades As A Destination For Treats, The Doors Will Soon Close For Good

Paul DiPietro, 39, of White Plains, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of grand larceny. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our county's economy, and they often have the fewest resources to defend themselves against fraudulent conduct," Cacace said. "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."

Between 2021 and 2022, DiPietro stole $105,379 from his employer at the time, by adding unauthorized salary increases to his biweekly paycheck, making unauthorized personal charges on the bakery's credit card and using company funds to pay for his personal American Express bill.

Earlier this month, the go-to Westchester destination for baked goods announced it would be closing its doors for good.

In a heartfelt social media post thanking loyal customers for their support, owner Sarah Leand said that building the popular specialty bakery has been "the honor of a lifetime." Leand said that the decision to close the beloved local business stems from a personal loss that led her to prioritize her family over the hard work of running the small business after nearly two decades.

"To Our Wonderful Community, Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for supporting my business—first as Sara Snacker Cookie Company and later as The Snackery Bakeshop. After almost 18 incredible years, including nearly 8 as The Snackery, we will be closing our doors," Leand wrote. "This decision comes with deep emotion and reflection. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to build my dream of a small, specialty bakery. We have loved celebrating your milestones, sharing in your traditions, and being welcomed into your lives. Those moments—big and small—are what made this journey so meaningful."

The investigation was conducted by the City of Rye Police Department.