Staff Report / May 7, 2026
A former co-owner of the historic Esperanza Mansion has pleaded guilty in connection with a fraud investigation involving unpaid wedding deposits and the misuse of COVID-era relief funds, according to the Yates County District Attorney’s Office.
Todd Alexander entered a guilty plea last week to one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. The plea resolves a 23-count indictment that also named co-defendant Mary Olivo and Esperanza Mansion, LLC.
Prosecutors said the case stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic, when the popular Keuka Lake wedding venue was forced to close operations. During that period, multiple couples reportedly paid deposits for weddings and events that were later canceled, but authorities say the funds were not returned to customers.
The plea agreement does not include jail time, but requires Alexander to pay more than $320,000 in restitution to victims affected by the case. District Attorney Todd Casella said the agreement resolves all charges tied to the indictment.
Alexander is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 5 in Yates County Court. Officials stated that if the required restitution is not paid before sentencing, the plea agreement could be voided and the case could proceed further through the court system.
