BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – A former nurse at an East Bay convalescent home is accused of preying on two elderly patients under her care.
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The former employee at Kyakameena Care Center in Berkeley has been arrested for allegedly stealing from elderly residents while they were on their deathbeds.
The elder financial abuse happened earlier this year. There may still be additional victims that haven’t been discovered yet.
A patient on her deathbed had her account drained.
"About $20,000 worth of purchases," said Berkeley Police Department spokesperson Officer Byron White.
"In one of these cases, the family members realized there was a problem with the finances after his mom’s rent stopped being paid because there was insufficient funds," he said.
Months later, another family came forward to report a similar crime. Investigators were able to nail down a suspect by tracking fraudulent Amazon purchases delivered to an address in Oakland where the employee lived.
"Somebody who worked there was going through their things and found the debit card and I guess found the checkbook and began making purchases," said KCBS Radio reporter Bob Butler, whose family member was that victim.
Butler, whose sister had a long battle with pancreatic cancer before passing at Kyakameena. Days later, he found suspicious charges on their joint bank account.
"That angers you – to the point where you hope this person goes to jail," he said.
On November 22nd, nursing assistant Kyiesha Carter, 44. was arrested just outside the care facility. She had been working at the facility for over 20 years.
She now faces multiple counts of identity theft and elder financial abuse, and there may be additional victims.
"Keep track of bank statements, records and things like that," said White. "Check credit."
"You just can’t be too careful these days," he added.
Kyakameena did not respond to KCBS Radio’s request for an interview but in a statement said: "We are appalled and disappointed about this situation. We are continuing to investigate the specifics on this matter and are working closely the residents and families in addressing any specific concerns. We are also cooperating with Berkeley Police Department and other regulatory agencies as they complete their investigations. All appropriate interventions are being implemented to prevent any future occurrences."
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