Averill Park Woman Accused of Embezzling Over $325,000 From Employer

By David LaGuerre-

Averill Park resident Corrine R. Bradley, 49, is facing serious felony charges after allegedly embezzling over $325,000 from a Rensselaer County business where she worked as a financial manager. The arrest by State Police in Schodack on June 30, 2025, follows a months-long investigation triggered by a complaint filed earlier this year.

A Breach of Trust From Inside

According to New York State Police, the investigation began on March 10, 2025, when a privately owned business in Rensselaer County contacted law enforcement with suspicions that a former employee had siphoned off a significant amount of money.

Bradley, who held a position of financial trust at the company, is accused of:

• Overpaying herself without company authorization

• Falsifying work hours, including payment for time she did not work

• Diverting company payments for personal use

• Forging legal documents, including the business owner’s signature on official paperwork

These actions reportedly took place over a span of three years, from 2022 to 2025, and resulted in financial losses exceeding $325,000 for the business.

Charges Filed and Court Appearance

State Police arrested Bradley at her home in Averill Park and brought her to SP Sand Lake for processing. She has been charged with:

• Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (Class C Felony)

• Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)

• Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (Class E Felony)

Bradley was arraigned at Sand Lake Town Court and released on her own recognizance, pending further court proceedings. No date for her next court appearance has been made public yet.

A Common Crime with Devastating Impacts

While stories like this often fly under the radar compared to more sensational crimes, embezzlement is a persistent and costly issue for small and medium-sized businesses. According to a 2018 study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the median loss from occupational fraud schemes like this is $130,000, with more than 30% of cases resulting in losses of $500,000 or more.

What makes this case particularly painful is the violation of trust. Small business owners often rely heavily on a small, close-knit team to manage finances, and betrayal from within can be both financially and emotionally devastating.

A Cautionary Tale for Local Businesses

This incident underscores the importance of internal checks and balances when managing finances. While it’s tempting to place full trust in a single employee, experts recommend:

• Regular third-party audits

• Dual authorization for large transactions

• Cross-training employees to rotate financial responsibilities

• Using secure accounting software with access logs

Preventing white-collar crime starts with awareness. Cases like this one serve as stark reminders of what can go wrong when oversight is limited.

Looking Ahead

As the case against Corrine Bradley moves forward, the business owners affected may still face a long road to financial and emotional recovery. While restitution is sometimes ordered by the court, it’s often difficult to recover the full amount lost, especially if funds have been spent or hidden.

In the meantime, the community—and the courts—will be watching to see how this case unfolds.

We want to hear from you. Have you or someone you know experienced embezzlement or fraud in the workplace? Leave a comment or share this story to help raise awareness.