complaint·October 12, 2023

Allegation: Facility staff stole resident's money. According to information received Activities Director/Staff (S1) took $10.00 from resident (R1) last week with the purpose of buying Poweball and Mega Millions lottery tickets. As of October 10, 2023, staff (S1) had not given the resident the lottery tickets, and has not been seen working at the facility. It is suspected that staff (S1) was fired as a result of the theft. A total of six (6) staff were interviewed. None of the staff had suspicions that Activities Director stole money and/or personal belongings from residents. However, yesterday a staff person was approached by resident (R2) asking for Activities Director, and reported to staff that the resident gave a silver necklace that needed it repairs to staff (S1). Resident (R2) stated that the silver necklace had not been returned until today. Staff (S1) was not able to repair the necklace, but had forgotten to return it to R2. The approximate worth of the necklace was $40 dollars. A total of nine (9) residents were interviewed. Only resident (R1) reported that S1 took money from the resident. Staff (S1) stated that when resident (R1) asked them to buy lotto tickets they told the resident "No", but the resident insisted and staff took the money. Staff (S1) stated that they have not worked at the facility in over 1 week and had not had a chance to bring the lotto ticket, or returned the resident's phone calls. Administrator reported that staff (S1) is being terminated from employment today because they did not call or show up to work 3 scheduled days. The termination is not related to the allegation, because Administration staff learned about the allegation after the decision to terminate was made. Per facility Personal Property Procedures, documentation of resident Theft and Loss Record was completed. However, a police report was not filed because the value of the loss was $10; not more than $100.00. Staff (S1) stated they plan to drop off the tickets sometime this week. As of today resident (R1) has not been given the lotto tickets that were purchased last week by staff (S1). Therefore, there is sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Based on interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED . Deficiency is being cited according to Title 22. See LIC 9099D. Exit interview was conducted with Administrator Diana Bautista. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided.