NEW YORK, NY – A home health aide has pleaded guilty to stealing $24,000 from two elderly New York City residents under her care, authorities announced.
Jerona Smith admitted in court to one count of grand larceny and identity theft in connection with the thefts, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Smith stole from two senior citizens, including a 70-year-old woman with advanced dementia. The aide exploited her position of trust to access the victims’ financial accounts and personal information.
According to court documents, Smith used the victims’ credit cards to make unauthorized purchases and opened payment accounts in their names. She also gained access to checking accounts and bank accounts belonging to the elderly clients.
Smith made PayPal purchases and conducted other financial transactions without the victims’ knowledge or consent. The thefts occurred while she was providing health care services to the vulnerable adults.
“This conduct represents a terrible abuse of trust,” District Attorney Bragg said. “Home health aides have access to some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. Ms. Smith exploited that access to steal from older adults who depended on her for care.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit handled the prosecution. Officials said the unit works to protect senior citizens from financial exploitation and other crimes that target the elderly based on age and vulnerability.
Smith faces prison time when sentenced. Details about the sentencing date were not immediately available.
Anyone who suspects elder abuse or financial exploitation can report it to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Unit at EAU@dany.nyc.gov.
