Prosecutors Charge Former Cleveland Nursing Home Employee Accused Of Embezzling Residents' Money

Pawnee County prosecutors have charged a former Cleveland nursing home employee accused of using the residents’ social security money to buy herself gas, groceries and even things from Amazon.

Investigators say Amanda Staley stole a total of $1,300 from the residents but was fired for other reasons before the nursing home found out about the theft.

Investigators say the office manager at the nursing home noticed receipts for things like gas, cat food, and raw meat, but none of the people who live in the nursing have a car or pets, and they don't cook in their rooms. That's when the nursing home employees called the police.

Cleveland Police investigators say Staley victimized eight elderly people at Cleveland Manor Nursing Home over the course of five months by using their money 26 different times to shop for herself.

“Any incomes residents have go into one account. When a resident needs something from the store, whether it’s at Walmart or wherever, they’ll send someone with a debit card that’s tied to that account, they’ll go buy that for the resident, bring the item and the receipt back," said Cleveland Police Chief Clint Stout. 

Investigators say Staley’s job at the nursing home was to use that card to shop for the residents. They say one time, Staley was caught on video spending nearly $200 on groceries at Cash Saver in Cleveland. Then, she was caught on video buying more groceries at Walmart. 

Investigators say Staley bought things like fresh fruit, ground beef, frozen food, cat food and makeup, and feminine hygiene products, then turned in the receipts under a resident’s name. 

“It wasn’t even things that could be disguised as the resident using it," said Stout. 

Investigators say Staley also used the card to order things off Amazon and had the packages shipped to her house. 

“Not a huge amount of money, but just a single dime taken from somebody so vulnerable as an elderly person in a nursing home, it’s just heinous what she’s done," said Stout. 

Chief Stout says the nursing home has been cooperative during the investigation, and two of the eight victims recently passed away. 

“Those are two victims what will never get any justice. That’s money that could have went to their final resting place, for their funeral. Could have went to their family," said Stout. 

The nursing home is now under new ownership and released a statement saying: 

“Cleveland Care & Rehab Center is under new ownership and management as of January 9th, 2024. All persons alleged to have engaged in this abuse were dismissed prior to the management change. The new Cleveland Care will cooperate as needed with any investigations to assure justice for Residents, Families, and the community. Our Residents are and always will be our greatest priority and we take all concerns of misconduct very seriously with timely investigation, reporting, and disciplinary action as needed. We look forward to a future of empowering better living for our Residents.”

News On 6 called Staley’s attorney, but he said he didn’t want to comment. 

Staley is due in court next month.