DA: Delco woman scammed 90-year-old employer
A Delaware County woman has been charged with stealing more than $10,000 from her 90-year-old employer, using it for home and car repairs and to take her family on vacation.
A Delaware County woman has been charged with stealing more than $10,000 from her 90-year-old employer, using it for home and car repairs and to take her family on vacation.
Marianne Smith, 53, of Nether Providence, is charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, and related crimes, the District Attorney's Office said Thursday. She was arraigned Dec. 9 and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
The D.A.'s Office gave the following account:
About four years ago, Smith was hired as a companion for Tina Fright, a resident of the Plush Mills Senior Living Facility in Wallingford. Smith was given a debit card to pay herself and purchase items for Fright on an as-needed basis.
Between May and July of this year, Rosemary Lavin, who was given power of attorney for Fright by her family, noticed $10,000 had been withdrawn. She asked Smith for the debit card but was ignored. On Aug. 2, Lavin canceled the card and fired Smith.
Smith told police that Fright gave permission for her to use the money for personal needs.
When asked if she gave Smith permission for the home repairs and vacation, the D.A.'s Office said, Fright told detectives: "I may be up in age, but I'm not naive."
610-313-8111 @MariSchaefer