Man get up to 12 years in prison for stealing from Polish American club

An Albany County man will spend up to 12 years in prison for stealing more than $1 million from the Polish American Citizens Club.

Kenneth Frodyma Jr., 41, of Feura Bush, previously admitted that between August 2017 and December 2021, he took around $1.29 million from the club. Frodyma wrote unauthorized checks and made withdrawals while working as the secretary and treasurer for the organization, according to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.

Frodyma pleaded guilty in November 2023 to grand larceny. His sentencing was delayed for one year to allow him to repay the money.

“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,” Judge Andra Ackerman said in a statement.

“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 organizations such as St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children,” she added.

Ackerman handed down a sentence of 4 to 12 years in prison.

Francis Mrzyglod, the club’s vice president, read a victim impact statement saying that the theft has left the organization nearly $130,000 in debt.

“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,” he said.