TUSCALOOSA, AL — A longtime nursing home financial officer has been arrested and charged with stealing thousands of dollars from vulnerable residents she was entrusted to protect, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.
Tameko H. Green, 52, of Tuscaloosa, faces one count of first-degree theft of property, a Class B felony, after allegedly misappropriating at least $3,500 from 25 nursing home residents over a period spanning nearly three years. Green surrendered to authorities at the Tuscaloosa County Jail on February 23, 2026, and was released after posting a $5,000 bond, as reported by WBRC.
According to the attorney general's office, Green served as the facility's financial officer for 18 years, a position that placed her in charge of maintaining the patient trust fund. This account holds residents' personal money and is used to cover daily personal expenses and needs. The investigation revealed that between January 2023 and September 2025, Green allegedly stole funds from the accounts of 25 different residents under her care.
The case came to light following a referral from the Alabama Department of Public Health to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The unit, which receives approximately $1.14 million in funding for fiscal year 2025—with 75 percent coming from federal grants through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General—conducted the investigation that led to the charges, according to reporting by Alabama Gazette.
The first-degree theft charge carries serious penalties under Alabama law, including a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and fines of up to $30,000. According to coverage by Tuscaloosa Thread, some sources indicate the charges may also include elder abuse and Medicaid fraud components, though the primary charge announced by the attorney general's office is first-degree theft of property.
The attorney general's office has not disclosed the specific name of the nursing home where Green was employed, according to multiple news outlets including Patch. This omission leaves families and the public unable to identify which facility was involved in the alleged theft scheme.
Patient trust funds are designed to provide nursing home residents with access to their own money for personal items, small purchases, and daily needs while living in long-term care. These accounts are typically managed by facility staff, requiring a high degree of trust and fiduciary responsibility. Federal and state regulations mandate strict accounting and oversight of these funds to protect vulnerable residents from exploitation.
The 18-year tenure of the accused employee raises questions about oversight and internal controls at the facility. Financial abuse of nursing home residents represents a serious violation of both state and federal regulations designed to protect vulnerable populations in long-term care settings.
Protecting Nursing Home Residents From Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation of nursing home residents is a form of elder abuse that can have devastating consequences for victims who may have limited resources and little ability to recover stolen funds. Federal regulations require nursing homes to safeguard resident funds and maintain detailed accounting records.
Family members of nursing home residents should regularly review account statements and ask questions about any unexplained withdrawals or discrepancies. Facilities are required to provide quarterly accounting statements for resident trust accounts upon request.
Resources for Families
Families who suspect financial abuse or other problems at a nursing home can contact the Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents' rights and investigates complaints. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-677-1116.
Suspected cases of nursing home abuse, neglect, or exploitation should be reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health and local law enforcement. Family members can also file complaints with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through the Medicare.gov website.
Anyone with information about this case or similar incidents of financial exploitation in nursing homes is encouraged to contact the Alabama Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit or local authorities.
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