ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The former general manager of the Albany Rural Cemetery was sentenced to prison for failing to pay restitution as part of plea deal. David Eslinger will spend two to six years in state prison.
Eslinger, 60, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to a grand larceny and identity theft charge. As the cemetery’s former manager, he issued extra paychecks to himself and used the organization’s credit card to pay for gas, meals, and trips to Las Vegas, Walt Disney World, and gentleman’s clubs in New York City. Officials said he stole $40,229.
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As part of his plea, the Fort Edward man was placed on one-year interim probation where he was expected to pay at least $20,000 of the restitution owed back to the cemetery. If paid, then he would be sentenced to four years of probation to pay the remaining $20,229 back to the cemetery.
He was ordered to appear court on May 29 to review his progress, but Eslinger failed to appear, and officials said he had only paid $12,000…