FORMER CAREGIVER AT THE ARBORS CHARGED WITH CRIMES OF THEFT, FRAUD AND FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS
January 16, 2009: A former caregiver of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease was charged with crimes involving theft, fraud and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office this week. The charges stem from her employment as a caregiver at The Arbors, which is a residential care community dedicated to serving the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and related memory impairments.
Attorney General William H. Sorrell announced today that Heather M. Whitehouse, age 23, of Colchester, Vermont, was arraigned on January 15, 2009, in Vermont District Court for Chittenden County on three felony counts of Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult; three felony counts of Identity Theft, one felony count of Larceny from the Person, one felony count of Selling Stolen Property, one misdemeanor count of Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, two misdemeanor counts of Unlawful Taking of Tangible Personal Property, three misdemeanor counts of False Pretenses $900 or less, and four misdemeanor counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
Ms. Whitehouse was released on standard conditions plus the conditions that she must not administer any direct care or work in any setting where she would have contact with vulnerable adults; and must not enter upon the property of The Arbors, Martin’s Coin & Jewelry, and select Price Chopper, Kinney Drugs and Rite Aid stores.
According to papers filed in Court, Ms. Whitehouse allegedly stole an item of jewelry and multiple credit cards from vulnerable adults residing at The Arbors, ultimately selling the stolen jewelry, and fraudulently using the stolen credit cards to make unauthorized purchases.
Ms. Whitehouse pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, she faces potential penalties of up to fifty-nine years imprisonment and $46,000 in fines on the felony charges, and eight and one-half years imprisonment and $17,200 in fines on the misdemeanor charges.
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