Pocono News Section

Nursing Home Worker Accused of Theft

Nursing Home Worker Accused of Theft - Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 4:55PM EST

Selinsgrove, Snyder County-
A nursing home employee in Snyder County is in hot water over theft allegations.

The woman in question is accused of preying on elderly victims for whom she was supposed to be providing care. But Snyder County District Attorney Michael Sholley says she instead bilked them out of thousands of dollars.

According to investigators, Linda Sullivan swindled several residents while working at the Loving Care Personal Care Home in Selinsgrove.

In one instance, she illegally obtained power of attorney over a resident who had recently inherited a large sum of money.

Police say Sullivan then wrote a $10,000 check to the nursing home, calling it a donation. She also allegedly purchased a $21,000 van, of which she made personal use.

District Attorney Michael Sholley credits the cooperation of police and the Area Agency on Aging for bringing the alleged thefts to light.

Sholley noted, “I think this is critically important for us to ensure the protection, not only financial but physical protection, of the elderly residents of the county.”

There are also accusations that residents were billed for furniture that was supposed to be provided for in their boarding agreements.

Both Linda Sullivan and the Loving Care Personal Care Home are charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, and related counts.

The district attorney’s office is working to schedule a preliminary hearing on the case.