HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – A former office manager has been accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly patient at the Brookdale Main Street, an assisted living center in Sumner County.
Officials with the Hendersonville Police Department said Lynette Neighbors has been accused of using a victim’s personal account information and making several transactions over a period of two years.
“The places she was going, the withdrawals she was making, she was caught on camera most every time she does one of those,” Hendersonville Police Detective Neal Harris said. “So we had video pictures of her.”
The investigation began in early July when officials learned an 87-year-old living in the facility had been victimized.
“This lady was in danger of being put out on the street because she couldn't afford to continue to pay to live there,” Det. Neal Harris said.
The notice tipped off the victim’s brother who alerted police.
The 45-year-old suspect was arrested on July 20 and charged with theft over $60,000 and identity theft.
“She alluded to financial issues, needing money to cover bills to take care of her own needs,” Det. Neal added.
A court date has been set for August 26.
Brookdale Main Street corporate offices released this statement:
The safety and wellbeing of our residents are our highest priorities and we do not tolerate any improper conduct by our associates. We have been working closely with the local authorities and the appropriate state agencies on an investigation of possible theft from one of our residents. We are disappointed to learn it appears that a former associate at our community may have been involved in the theft. We will continue to assist the authorities in this matter until the investigation is concluded. All additional inquiries should be directed to the police.
Residents were given all the information that the community has about this situation early this morning. The community’s leadership is available to answer any questions or concerns they might have.
Background checks and drug screens are performed on all new associates. We have the highest expectations of our associates and have reminded all associates of our policies regarding associate conduct.
