Massachusetts

PD: Massachusetts Home Health Aid Withdrew $16,000 From Client's Bank Account

A home health aid is facing numerous charges after police in Weymouth, Massachusetts, said she made several withdrawals from a client's bank account.

Police arrested Theresa A. Jensen on June 27 following a lengthy investigation. She was charged with 28 counts of larceny, assault and battery on a person over 60, and drug possession.

Police said the investigation began June 19 when 88-year-old Josephine Lally's daughter went to authorities after discovering 35 fraudulent ATM withdrawals from her mother's account between February and June. The amounts varied but most were for $500.

Lally remains upbeat, even after the incident.

“She used to tell me she loved me,” said Lally. “I’m scrimping and saving trying to save my money and stretch it and then to think somebody couldn’t care less.”

Lally’s family members started becoming concerned when they saw her bank statements, and noticed thousands of dollars missing.

“I thought I was careful,” said Lally.

The family focused immediately on Jensen, a certified nursing assistant, who had been helping Lally at her Weymouth apartment every day for the last two years.

“She just doesn’t realize the concept of money,” said Lally. “Never thinks of saving it. She’s the only person I know who’s broke on payday.”

Once police were notified, they set up surveillance at the Citizens Bank where most of the transactions were being made. Investigators linked security camera photos of Jensen using Lally’s bank card around town, and when Jensen showed up at Lally’s apartment for work one day, they moved in and arrested her.

When questioned by police, Jensen admitted that she had withdrawn cash many times by using Lally’s Citizens Bank ATM card, according to police records.

Lally says she never gave the woman her card or her PIN.

“When she made the bed in the bedroom, she rooted around in the bureau and found the cards,” said Lally. “And then when I’d go to the bank she’d always put her head very down and looked. It annoyed me.”

Court documents show Jensen, who worked for Homewatch Caregivers in Weymouth, is accused of taking over $16,000 in cash.

“Well I forgive her,” said Lally. “The law’s the law.”

Jensen has been fired from her agency. The company says they did perform a background check and they are very surprised by what’s happened.

Neither Jensen nor her attorney have returned phone calls for comment. It's unclear when she will appear in court to face charges.

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