ALBANY — Jamie L. Bonkoski, who had been the property manager at Deer Valley Apartments in Guilderland for 20 years, admitted Thursday to embezzling $79,961.48 over five years from the complex off of Johnston Road.

She pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny, a felony, in Albany County Court before Judge William A. Carter.

In a plea bargain struck Thursday, Bonkoski, 42, of Cohoes, agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a sentence of no more than 1 to 3 years in state prison; the deal also requires her to make restitution of the full amount prior to sentencing and to write a letter of apology to the victim.

Bonkoski’s illegal activity came to light after an audit in January 2018 uncovered a “pattern of embezzlement, theft, and fraud that ultimately led back to Bonkoski,” said Cecelia Walsh, spokeswoman for the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.

Walsh said that Bonkoski forged tenant signatures, opened bank accounts without authorization, and falsified business records.

She also used the company’s credit card to purchase personal items for her home, stole cash security deposits and pet fees, and bartered personal training sessions with tenants for credit toward rent, Walsh said. The activity spanned January 2013 through February 2018, Walsh said.

Bonkoski was arrested by the Guilderland Police on May 24.

Bonkoski’s attorney, Joseph M. Ahearn of Troy, told Judge Carter that he expects full restitution to be made as early as next week.

Carter noted that, if Bonkoski were to go to trial, she would face an indeterminate sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Carter accepted her guilty plea and set sentencing for Dec. 5. He released Bonkoski on her own recognizance.