Senior living staff member accused of stealing nearly $10,000 from vulnerable adult

Investigation implied alleged theft was discovered because the alleged perpetrator took a leave of absence

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A Minnesota Department of Health investigation found a worker at Aspen Grove Alternative Senior Living in Chisholm allegedly stole nearly $10,000 from a resident.

The health department’s initial investigation said, “The alleged perpetrator (AP) financially exploited the resident when she used the resident’s bank card over a period of nine months for her own personal use. Between unauthorized purchases and ATM withdrawals, the AP took almost $10,000 of the resident’s money.”

Health department investigative documents said, “Charges were made at various retailers, including Walmart, Domino’s in a nearby city, Amazon, TikTok shop, Dairy Queen in a nearby city, and an online boutique. In total, $4,498.69 was charged to the resident’s bank card. Multiple ATM withdrawals were made totaling $5,306.”

The health department investigators said they could not determine if the alleged perpetrator withdrew cash from ATMs.  But the report did say the resident reported they hadn’t withdrawn any money.  The resident also did not have the ability to shop online.

The investigation implied the alleged theft was discovered because the alleged perpetrator took a leave of absence.  It appears the alleged perpetrator was intercepting bank statements.  The investigation report said, “The case manager stated the only month the resident had a bank statement delivered…  was the month the [alleged perpetrator] was on a leave of absence from the facility, otherwise the facility was supposed to be bringing her monthly statements.”

The Minnesota Department of Health referred the case to the Chisholm Police Department for possible criminal investigation.  The alleged perpetrator would not talk to the Minnesota Department of Health for the investigation and referred any questions to her attorney.