A bookkeeper at a New York restaurant owned by Fox 5 anchor Rosanna Scotto broke down in tears while denying accusations that she stole nearly $2.5 million from her employer over seven years. Lori Jakubowski, 56, appeared in a Manhattan court where prosecutors urged a judge to sentence her to between three and nine years in prison if convicted, in a case that has drawn attention because of the restaurant's ties to a prominent television personality.

Prosecutors allege Jakubowski, who worked at Fresco by Scotto in Midtown Manhattan, funnelled $2,485,779.79 from the business, including by issuing herself unauthorised paycheques, writing 88 individual checks in 2023 and laundering at least $100,000 to buy a $164,500 home in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She is also accused of using restaurant funds to pay her husband's internet bill. Jakubowski has pleaded not guilty to grand larceny, money laundering and falsifying business records charges, remains free on agreed release, and is due back in court on 10 November.