Former SARL Director Sentenced for Embezzlement

Sarah Blood, a 44-year-old resident of Richmondville, New York, has been sentenced to five years of probation, including eight months of home detention, for embezzling over $200,000 from the State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, Inc. (SARL). The sentencing was handed down on September 29, 2026, by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.

Blood, who served as the executive director of SARL from August 2019 to October 2023, was found guilty of transferring $203,941. 54 from SARL’s bank account to herself and using the organization’s debit card for unauthorized transactions. Her fraudulent activities took place between July 2020 and August 2023, according to the U.

S. Attorney's Office.

SARL, a not-for-profit organization managed by state and local legislators, promotes cooperation and education among agricultural and rural communities. It receives funding from the United States Food and Drug Administration. As the executive director, Blood was responsible for managing the organization's finances and had access to its checking account.

The embezzled funds were used by Blood to book a luxury cruise, pay for flights and hotels, and make personal purchases at Amazon and Walmart. As a result of her actions, SARL was forced to cancel its 2024 annual conference and engage in emergency fundraising efforts.

Blood had previously pled guilty to the charges in April 2026. In addition to her probation and home detention, she is required to make restitution to SARL in the full amount of $203,941.54.

The investigation into Blood's activities was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office, announcing the case's resolution.

"This case has been under investigation by this Office for three years, and we are glad it has been brought to a successful conclusion," Sarcone stated. "Sarah Blood was in a position of trust at an organization that received federal funds. She abused that trust and will now have to repay the money stolen in full."

Craig Tremaroli added, "Sarah Blood was entrusted to run State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, Inc. (SARL). Instead, she used that position to blatantly steal over $200,000 – even going so far as to book vacations on the organization’s debit card.

The FBI will not turn a blind eye to this kind of fraud. We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure those committing fraud are held accountable for their actions."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Paulbeck and Nicholas Walter.