AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (WRGB) — 59-year-old Tina Giardono was arrested by the Amsterdam Police Department after an investigation spanning half of 2026. She was on the Amsterdam Youth Soccer League Board which experienced a complete emergency removal by the city and then filled by Councilmember Rich Holoday.
“This all started essentially because the city put together a recreation committee. We were asking them questions about their finances, their financial plan, etc., etc. and that’s kind of what prompted the entire investigation,” explained Holoday.
The police department started its investigation in April after receiving an anonymous letter regarding the misuse of funds. Partnering with the state’s financial crimes units, they subpoenaed multiple bank accounts and went through three years’ worth of receipts.
“We were able to determine that there was some misuse of funds. Tina was contacted and did turn herself in. We did interview her multiple times in the months leading up to her arrest,” stated Detective Michael Palmerino.
Giardono was charged with 3rd degree grand larceny after allegedly spending between $3,000 and $50,000 on non-soccer-related items. Holoday, now the board president, said the league’s bank account only had $14 in it when he stepped in. “Taxes weren’t filed for three years at all. There was a myriad of issues regarding money owed to local organizations and other clubs.”
Being the city’s largest club with 500 to 600 hundred kids each year, Holoday was able to get new board members in place and have successful spring and fall seasons. He said the league is now in a financially strong position at around $18,000 in the bank that will go towards this community resource.
CBS6’s Anthony Krolikowski had Giardono’s number after benches were stolen from Veterans Park in 2024. The call went directly to voicemail and he then sent a text. Shortly after accepting a friend request Giardono sent Krolikowski’s Facebook page and sending her a message, she blocked him.