CNA A was terminated November 6 after the facility completed its investigation into the misappropriation of funds. Police confirmed they are pursuing charges in the ongoing case.
The theft came to light when the resident or their family discovered unauthorized transfers from their cash app. The administrator, who serves as the facility's abuse coordinator, began gathering evidence and contacted police.
During interviews on November 19, the administrator explained that the investigation revealed CNA A had used the resident's mobile phone to access their cash application and make payments to herself. The administrator obtained photos of the cash application transfers as evidence.
CNA A was suspended November 5 and fired the next day.
When investigators interviewed CNA A on November 19 at 4:00 PM, she initially denied having any cash apps and claimed she "did not take funds from that person." Later in the same interview, she contradicted herself by acknowledging she had been interviewed by police about the incident.
The resident had been staying at Trinity Care Center for recent health issues but was discharged when insurance no longer covered rehabilitation services. The resident returned home.
The administrator contacted all three of the resident's family members, including the responsible party, on November 5 to notify them of the investigation. The responsible party confirmed receiving notification that day about the misappropriation incident.
Police Officer #1 confirmed the administrator reported the incident to the police department and provided a case number. The officer stated his investigation and potential charges remain ongoing.
Human Resources staff revealed that CNA A's pre-employment background check came back clear. Her references had been checked with positive results, and the nurse's aide registry confirmed her licensing was current and set to expire in 2026.
Despite facility policy requiring notification of licensing boards when employees commit abuse or misappropriation, neither the administrator nor HR made a referral regarding CNA A's license. The administrator said she believed the state would submit a referral. HR staff said she was "waiting for the state to decide."
The facility's policy on abuse, neglect, exploitation and misappropriation, revised in September 2022, explicitly states that the administrator must immediately report suspicions to the state licensing agency, local ombudsman, the resident's representative, and law enforcement offices. The policy also mandates that "all relevant professional and licensing boards are notified when an employee is found to have committed abuse."
Following the incident, the facility conducted in-service training on November 5 for all staff on abuse, neglect, and misappropriation. The training occurred after the theft was discovered and CNA A was suspended.
The case highlights vulnerabilities faced by nursing home residents who may need assistance with technology. Residents often rely on staff for help with phones and electronic devices, creating opportunities for exploitation by unscrupulous employees.
Federal regulations require nursing homes to protect residents' personal funds and property from misappropriation. Facilities must immediately investigate allegations of theft and report findings to appropriate authorities.
The inspection found the facility failed to follow its own reporting procedures by not notifying the licensing board as required by policy. This represents a breakdown in the protective systems designed to prevent problematic employees from moving between facilities.
CNA A's contradictory statements during the investigation - first denying involvement entirely, then acknowledging police contact - suggest awareness of wrongdoing. Her initial claim of not having cash apps conflicts with the evidence gathered by administrators showing transfers to her accounts.
The timing of the resident's discharge, coinciding with the discovery of the theft, meant the victim was no longer at the facility when the investigation concluded. The resident returned home after insurance stopped covering rehabilitation services.
Police involvement indicates the theft may have been substantial enough to warrant criminal charges. The ongoing investigation suggests authorities are building a case that could result in prosecution.
The facility's response included immediate suspension and termination of the employee, police notification, family contact, and staff retraining. However, the failure to report to licensing boards as required by policy represents a significant oversight in protecting other potential victims.
Trinity Care Center's administrator acknowledged the importance of background checks and reference verification in preventing such incidents. The fact that CNA A passed all pre-employment screening demonstrates that some individuals with criminal intent may not have prior records or negative references.
The case underscores the challenge nursing homes face in preventing employee theft while maintaining the trust necessary for quality care. Residents must often share personal information and access to belongings with staff members who provide intimate daily care.
CNA A's employment termination and the ongoing police investigation represent appropriate responses to the theft. However, the facility's failure to follow its own reporting requirements regarding licensing boards suggests gaps in administrative oversight that could allow problematic employees to seek work elsewhere.
The resident's return home following the incident means they are no longer vulnerable to potential retaliation or further exploitation at the facility. Family notification allowed them to monitor for additional unauthorized transactions and take protective measures.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Trinity Care Center from 2025-11-19 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.