A nursing home worker was arrested after she allegedly stole from elderly residents and even used it to fund a vacation after one of the victims died, according to police.
Syreeta Nicole Jones, 30, of Philadelphia, was arrested and charged with identity theft, forgery, securing a document by deception and other related offenses.
The investigation began May 27 when police responded to the Elm Terrace Gardens nursing home in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, for a report of a theft. Police discovered someone had stolen a personal check from a resident, who became aware upon receiving a call from the depositing bank, police said.
The stolen check was written in the amount of $2,450 and made payable to 39-year-old Eugene Hudnell, of Philadelphia, who police later discovered Hudnell was an associate of Jones. Police also said Jones, who worked as a certified nursing assistant at the home, had access to the victim’s room.
Police linked Jones to the theft of another nursing home resident, who died in September. On Oct. 19, the second victim's estate contacted Lansdale police and reported four suspicious transactions made to the victim’s credit card after he or she passed away. Police said Jones had access to this victim's room as well.
Investigators determined two purchases were made to a wireless phone company under Jones’ cellphone account. Another transaction was made to a ticket agency for a vacation to Florida, booked to Jones and a male companion, according to police.
The total amount charged to the second victim’s credit card was more than $1,500, police said.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for Jones in October and arrested her Sunday when she arrived at Philadelphia International Airport following her Florida vacation. She was housed at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after failing to post $50,000 bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 13. Court records don't list an attorney for Jones.
Police continue to search for Hudnell, who faces forgery, identity theft and securing document by deception charges.
Photo Credit: Lansdale Police Department
