Ex-nursing home administrator accused of stealing $16K from resident

WAKEFIELD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The former director of nursing at a now-closed nursing home in Wakefield has been charged amid allegations that she stole more than $16,000 from a resident.

Attorney General Martha Coakley's office says a criminal complaint was issued Wednesday in Malden District Court charging 62-year-old Laura Siano with one count of larceny over $250.

Coakley's office began investigating allegations of embezzlement of resident funds at the Kirkwood House Nursing Home in Nov. 2011. They learned more than $16,000 was taken from a 75-year-old resident's bank account. Investigators allege Siano managed the resident's account.

Siano is accused of using the resident's checking account to make unauthorized cash withdrawals for over a year. Investigators also allege Siano used the resident's debit card at stores to buy items such as a laptop, decorations, cat food, and cat litter.

No receipts could be provided to show whether or not any of the items were purchased on behalf of the resident.

Siano is scheduled to be arraigned on July 23.

Cox Media Group