Woman sentenced in Sand Dollar travel agent scam

HALFMOON, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A woman who stole tens of thousands of dollars from people hoping to book the perfect getaway was sentenced in Saratoga County Court on Thursday.

Anna Marie Rotolo was sentenced to up to four years in jail.

Stephen Anderson and his wife booked their honeymoon through Sand Dollar Travel, but instead of relaxing on the beach, they were swindled out of thousands of dollars.

“It’s one of those special occasions that really you should be able to do anything and everything you want and to have that taken away is very unfair.”

Rotolo took their deposit but never gave it to the resort.

“They had a reservation for those dates but canceled it on their end because they never received a deposit.”

It’s the same thing she did to countless others.

Rotolo had little to say on her way into court but apologized to her victims before being sentenced.

“I just want to reach out to all the victims and tell them I’m very, very truly sorry for what has happened and I’m very remorseful.”

The judge said it’s too little too late and sentenced her to serve between one and a third to four years in state prison.

“The time to be sorry would have been long before today. I remand you into the custody of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department to commence your sentence.”

Anderson says he doesn’t buy it.

“I definitely don’t think her apology felt very sincere.”

He says he works hard for his money and will never use a travel agent again because of what Rotolo did to him.

“All I wanted to do was go lay on the beach with a drink in my hand.”

The business is shuttered as Rotolo heads to serve her time.

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