LANCASTER, Ohio -- A woman is accused of stealing from an elderly couple as she cared for them in their home.
Cindy L. Flagg, 35, of Lancaster, was arrested Monday. She is accused of stealing money from a Pickerington couple.
"The visiting nurse (aide) admitted she stole several thousand dollars over a period of a year while caring for the couple in their home," said Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen.
The sheriff's office began investigating the complaint of money missing from the Pickerington couple's home last week.
A video surveillance camera showed the woman taking money from a cabinet in the home.
"We watched the home for several days and obtained sufficient evidence that shows the (woman) taking the money," said Lt. Tim Voris.
"We set up surveillance cameras within the residence and discovered the defendant taking money, jewelry and these types of items from the home," Phalen said.
Flagg initially denied taking the money but later recanted after talking to detectives and learning she was under surveillance.
NBC 4's Matt Alvarez learned that Flagg worked as a nurse's aide for Alternacare in Lancaster.
"Theft from the elderly is a particularly troubling crime due to the vulnerability of many of the victims. If we receive a complaint about an elderly person being taken advantage of, we are going to investigate the complaint quickly to prevent future losses to the victim," Phalen said.
If convicted, Flagg could face up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office at 740-653-5223.
STATEMENT FROM ALTERNACARE
In accordance with Ohio Department of Health regulations, AlternaCare utilizes the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation as a tool for conducting hiring and criminal background checks. We are aware of a pending investigation into allegations of misconduct, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement. However, in accordance with privacy laws, it is our company policy not to comment to third parties on personnel matters that pertain to any current or former employees.
For future reference, here's what health agencies and law enforcement say you should do in case you're looking for home health care assistants:
First, get family members involved in the decision making process.
Second, make sure the health agency conducts background checks on its employees.
Third, ask for references.
“I think if you do those type of things, it goes a long way to protect your loved ones, what happens in those situations, there's an element of trust and when these things happen it's tragic and unfortunate,” Phalen said.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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