Staff Report / September 17, 2026
KEUKA PARK — The former co-owner and operator of the historic Esperanza Mansion in Yates County has been sentenced following his guilty plea to fourth-degree grand larceny, resolving a complex legal case stemming from stolen wedding deposits and federal loan fraud.
Todd Alexander was sentenced in Yates County Court to serve 100 days of weekend incarceration, three years of probation, and pay a $5,000 fine. The sentencing comes after Alexander fully paid over $323,000 in restitution prior to the court proceeding. The case originally arose after dozens of couples lost non-refundable deposits for weddings and events at the Keuka Park venue when operations were canceled during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.
The restitution will be distributed across dozens of affected parties, including brides, wedding clients, Alexander’s former business partner Larry Mehlenbacher, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Key facts regarding the indictment, plea agreement, and sentencing details include:
- Plea & Dismissals: Alexander’s guilty plea to fourth-degree grand larceny resolved a 23-count October 2025 indictment that previously included charges of enterprise corruption, forgery, perjury, and tax fraud. As part of the plea agreement, charges against co-defendants Mary Olivo and Esperanza Mansion LLC were officially dismissed.
- COVID-19 Loan Misuse: In addition to keeping unrefunded event deposits, prosecutors revealed Alexander illegally obtained $141,200 through the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), redirecting funds intended for employee payroll toward personal legal fees in civil litigation.
- Sentencing Terms: 100 days of weekend jail time in Yates County Jail, 3 years of probation, a $5,000 court fine, and full repayment of $323,000+ in pre-sentencing restitution.
