Rebecca Russell Stole From Residents; Sentenced To ‘Shock Probation,’ Including 6 Months In Jail, 5 Years Of Post-Release Probation
Schneiderman: My Office Will Continue Fighting To Protect Vulnerable Citizens And Bring Those Who Take Advantage Of Them To Justice
ROCHESTER – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the sentencing of Rebecca Russell, former office manager of the Armstrong Senior Living Center in Newark, for crimes committed against three residents.
The investigation, conducted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and the Newark Police Department revealed that Rebecca Russell, of Newark, stole a total of $11,828 from a total of three residents at the facility. Russell stole from one resident by failing to deposit money his family sent to him and instead diverted it for her own personal use. In another case, Russell stole a check from a resident, filled out the check in her own name, and used the forged check to steal that resident’s money. In a third case, Russell possessed numerous forged checks belonging to a resident and used those forged checks to illegally obtain money.
“Our most vulnerable citizens are unfortunately susceptible to exploitation by those responsible for their wellbeing,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will continue fighting to protect these individuals and bring those who take advantage of them to justice.”
Russell previously pled guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a class D Felony) and two counts of Petit Larceny (class A misdemeanors) in connection with the crimes she committed against the three residents. Today, Hon. John Nesbitt sentenced Russell to what is known as ‘shock probation,’ including six months incarceration in the Wayne County Jail, five years of probation, an order of restitution, and orders of protection in favor of the three victims.
The case was investigated by Special Investigator Arthur Vasile with assistance from MFCU Deputy Chief Investigator William Falk and Newark Police Investigator Jay Warren. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Sommers. Catherine Wagner is Director of the Rochester Regional MFCU Office and the Upstate Chief of Criminal Investigations. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is led by Acting Director Amy Held. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.