Two people allegedly stole more than $200,000 from an 86-year-old man and let him to live in deplorable conditions while serving as his caregivers.

Albany resident Amber Diacetis, 30, and Devin Zielinski, 33, are accused of using the Rensselaer County man’s funds for their personal use, according to the New York State Comptroller’s Office.  

The victim received a monthly income of $3,526.70 for his pension and $2,138.60 from Social Security. However, the pair allegedly did not pay the victim’s mortgage or property taxes or other bills for four years, which caused the home to be placed in foreclosure, his vehicle to be repossessed and his electricity to be shut off, investigator said.

Diacetis met the victim, whose wife had died many years before, through an online service and introduced him to Zielinski. The two convinced the man to let them be his live-in caregivers, according to authorities. However, the toilet and shower in the victim’s home didn’t work, animal feces were on the floor and the victim was found in need of care, investigators said.

Zielinski is currently still living in the home as a squatter.

The alleged crimes happened between January 2018 through August 2023. The suspects allegedly made more than $200,000 in cash withdrawals. A CashApp account was opened in the victim’s name without his knowledge. They allegedly purchased personal items and paid for child support.

The victim’s son and daughter-in-law reached out to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli after noticing suspicious transactions in the man’s account. DiNapoli’s office worked with Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly and New York State Police to investigate the alleged crimes.

Both Diacetis and Zielinski were charged with second-degree grand larceny. Diacetis was arraigned in Schodack Town Court on Monday, and Zielinski was arraigned in Sand Lake Town Court on Friday. They are due back in Schodack Town Court on June 12.