Listen to this articleThe former manager of an adult group home in St. James pleaded guilty Monday after being charged with stealing funds from the ATM cards of six residents who entrusted her with their cards for petty cash purposes, officials said.
Desiree Etheridge, of North Carolina, and the former facility manager at Eden II, the adult residential facility, pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
“This case represents a grievous breach of trust. The defendant exploited vulnerable individuals who relied on her for their basic needs and financial management. She took advantage of the COVID-19 shutdown, when these residents were already isolated and at risk, to deplete their accounts,” Tierney said in a news release about the case.
“This guilty plea is a step towards justice for the victims, but it cannot undo the harm caused to these residents who were simply trying to maintain some quality of life during difficult times,” he added.
Officials say that Etheridge stole funds from the ATM cards of six residents while she worked as residential manager of Eden II. As facility manager, Etheridge allegedly had control and access to the six residents’ bank accounts and debit cards. One of her responsibilities was to withdraw money to place in each residents’ petty cash envelope so they could go on outings to eateries and local stores. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Etheridge depleted the residents’ bank accounts.
She is due back in court Aug. 29 and faces one to three years in prison.