Shocking Betrayal: Albany Man Jailed for Stealing $1M from Polish American Club!
An Albany County man, Kenneth Frodyma Jr., has been sentenced to serve between 4 and 12 years in prison after being convicted of stealing over $1 million from the Polish American Citizens Club.
Frodyma, 41, who resides in Feura Bush, admitted to taking approximately $1.29 million from the organization between August 2017 and December 2021.
As secretary and treasurer of the club, Frodyma exploited his position to write unauthorized checks and make unapproved withdrawals.
His actions, which were revealed by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, have had a lasting impact on the organization and its members.
Frodyma pleaded guilty to grand larceny in November 2023. His sentencing was postponed for a year, giving him an opportunity to repay the stolen money. However, Judge Andra Ackerman noted that Frodyma failed to repay any of the restitution.
“The defendant had the opportunity to mitigate his sentence by paying restitution but paid absolutely nothing. That speaks for itself. This defendant deserves the maximum,” Ackerman said during sentencing.
Judge Ackerman also highlighted the significance of the theft, pointing out Frodyma’s connection to the club. “You stole over $1.2 million from this organization.
You stole from an organization that your great-grandfather was a founding member of. An organization that donates their money to causes such as St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children,” she added.
The club’s financial damage is immense. Vice President Francis Mrzyglod shared a heartfelt victim impact statement during the hearing, revealing that the club now faces nearly $130,000 in debt due to Frodyma’s actions.
Beyond the financial losses, the theft has affected the club’s members emotionally. Mrzyglod explained how the betrayal fractured relationships and caused stress among the once-thriving community of 1,500 members.
“What most people don’t know is what he did to our family of members that was at one time nearly 1,500 strong. He singlehandedly separated many lifelong friendships and family ties that were decades long.
I ask you now to also please take into consideration the mental stress and emotional damage he has caused within our club,” Mrzyglod stated.
Frodyma’s actions have left a once-strong organization struggling to recover, and the community is seeking to rebuild trust and repair the harm caused by his theft.
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