Inside Job at Rosanna Scotto's Restaurant: $2.5M Vanishes
You might think a bustling Midtown East Italian restaurant co-owned by a beloved New York City news anchor would be a place of warmth, good food, and community spirit. But behind the scenes at Fresco by Scotto, a shocking betrayal unfolded over seven years — one that siphoned millions from the very heart of this neighborhood staple. What started as a trusted employee's routine bookkeeping turned into a staggering embezzlement scheme that has left the restaurant reeling and the community stunned.
A Seven-Year Betrayal
Lori Jakubowski, the bookkeeper for Fresco by Scotto, allegedly orchestrated a brazen theft of $2.5 million from the restaurant's coffers. This wasn't a one-time slip-up or a minor accounting error. According to prosecutors, Jakubowski's scheme spanned seven years, during which she exploited her trusted position to pilfer funds through multiple methods. From pocketing cash tips meant for staff to writing unauthorized checks to herself, the alleged fraud was both extensive and audacious.
The embezzlement reportedly funded a lifestyle far removed from the restaurant's bustling kitchen and dining rooms. Prosecutors revealed that Jakubowski used at least $100,000 of the stolen money to purchase a house in Pennsylvania. She also allegedly paid her husband's internet bills using the restaurant's bank account and issued herself unauthorized paychecks for fake vacation time.
Who's Involved?
Fresco by Scotto is not just any restaurant — it's a family business co-owned by Rosanna Scotto, the well-known anchor of Fox 5's "Good Day New York," along with her children Jenn and LJ Ruggiero. The eatery has been a Midtown East fixture since 1993, known for its authentic Italian hospitality and loyal clientele.
Jakubowski, entrusted with managing the restaurant's finances, allegedly betrayed that trust in the most damaging way possible. The scale and duration of the theft have sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about internal controls and oversight at the restaurant.
The Mechanics of the Theft
The embezzlement was not a simple matter of taking cash from the register. Jakubowski's methods were sophisticated and varied. She reportedly siphoned cash tips intended for the restaurant's staff, a petty but telling detail that highlights the depth of the betrayal. More significantly, she wrote herself unauthorized checks from the restaurant's bank account, disguising these as legitimate payments, including for vacation time she never took.
One particularly striking detail is how Jakubowski allegedly purchased her Pennsylvania home. To fund the $164,500 property, she wrote 88 separate checks and money orders, cashing them over just four days. This flurry of transactions suggests a calculated effort to avoid detection while quickly converting stolen funds into tangible assets.
Legal Stakes and Court Proceedings
The legal consequences for Jakubowski are severe. She faces charges of grand larceny and falsifying business records, with the potential for up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. At her arraignment, Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Althea Drysdale granted her supervised release but made it clear that compliance with court appearances is mandatory, especially given her out-of-state property.
Jakubowski has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and her next court date is set for February 28, 2026. The case promises to be closely watched, not only because of the high-profile nature of the restaurant's ownership but also due to the sheer scale of the alleged theft.
Why This Matters
Fresco by Scotto has long been a beloved part of the Midtown East dining scene, a place where locals and visitors alike have enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. The revelation that a trusted employee allegedly siphoned millions from the business strikes at the core of community trust. It's a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities even well-established businesses face when it comes to internal oversight.
For Rosanna Scotto and her family, the scandal is not just a financial blow but a personal one. The restaurant is more than a business; it's a family legacy and a community institution. The fallout from this case will likely prompt a reevaluation of financial controls and transparency, not only at Fresco by Scotto but across similar establishments.
Looking Ahead
As the legal process unfolds, the restaurant and its patrons are left to grapple with the aftermath of this inside job. Jakubowski's case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in business operations. For you, the reader, it's a story that underscores how trust can be broken in the most unexpected places — and how the consequences can ripple far beyond the balance sheets.
Keep an eye on the court proceedings scheduled for early 2026, as they will reveal more about the extent of the betrayal and the path toward justice for Fresco by Scotto and its community.
This story is a gripping example of how even the most familiar places can harbor secrets — and why it pays to look a little closer.
References: Exclusive | Restaurant owned by famed NYC news anchor Rosanna Scotto robbed of $2.5M by brazen staffer who used siphoned cash to buy house | Bookkeeper Accused of Stealing $2.5M from News Anchor Rosanna Scotto's Restaurant to Buy House | Fresco by Scotto: A $2.5 Million Embezzlement Scandal Unveiled
