Police arrest caregiver for stealing from elderly employer

Gadsden police have arrested a woman in Gadsden and charged her with multiple counts of fraud for stealing money from her elderly employer.

Susan Nelline Burch, 29, was arrested Tuesday for stealing more than $4,000 during a five week period from the woman who employed her to sit with her and help her with errands, Captain Regina May with Gadsden PD said.

Burch is accused of writing a total of 11 checks to herself and her boyfriend and using her employer's debit card 61 times, according to May. Burch was booked into the Etowah County Jail on September 11 and is being held on a $182,500 bond.

"I see this all the time," longtime detective Greg Light with Gadsden Police commented in a release.

Detective Light noted that he is seeing an increase in cases in which people hired to take care of an elderly person are stealing from them. Light says it is common for the victim in such cases to develop a sense of trust with his or her caretaker, which can lead to the victim letting the caretaker to use their debit or credit cards and write checks on their behalf.

"Sometimes it is impossible for adult children to check-in regularly on their elderly parents or relatives, but even if you can't there are some things you can do to protect them," Captain May said.

Police offered the following tips for families to consider when hiring a caregiver for a loved one:

• When searching for a caregiver, look to reputable companies who can provide references- then check the references.
• When a person becomes infirm or unable to drive and run errands themselves, it's time to have the talk about finances. Banking can be safely done on-line now, so adult children should ask to get on the accounts of shut-in or home bound parents. That way spending can be monitored.
• Carefully interview and background anyone that will have the run of your parent's home.
• Make a copy or record identifying information of a caregiver such as an Alabama ID card number, tag numbers, etc.
•  Document and report any thefts of property such as jewelry as soon as discovered.
• Terminate anyone who has violated your or your parent's trust.
• Communicate with your loved ones by phone if you can't visit in person. Look for weight loss and or bruises or signs of abuse.
• Above all, let your loved ones know that you care about their best interest, their happiness and comfort. If they are not happy with a caregiver, investigate.

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