Home Health Care Aide Investigated For Allegedly Stealing From Family While Caring For Terminally Ill Woman

Investigators say one Central Ohio family was taken advantage of by a home health aide who was supposed to be caring for a terminally ill patient.

The victims in this case live in Delaware County. Sheriff's detectives say much of the fraudulent activity occurred in Franklin County.

One person has been charged so far, but investigators suspect the victim's identity is in multiple hands.

Lee asked 10TV only to use his first name and says he fears for his own safety, after he says a home health care aide not only took advantage of his terminally ill wife, but also his life savings.

"On a daily basis, I'm getting mail from these check cashing places where they went in and got cash advances and signed notes to be paid back in 30 days or whatever," said Lee.

According to a search warrant, the home health care aide admitted to stealing Lee's identity and thousands of dollars from his personal line of credit account while caring for his wife.

10TV has learned the aide was employed at A-1 Nursing Care Company on Highway 161. The company tells 10TV they terminated the employee and are cooperating with police.

The aide is a subject of a sheriff's investigation and so far has not been charged. Deputies say the aide had an accomplice, Maurice Walker, 36, who faces identity fraud, menacing and telecommunication harassment charges.

According to the warrant, Walker would routinely withdraw money from Lee's account and even provided another man with Lee's birth certificate to obtain a fraudulent license at a Franklin County Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Lee says he's devastated, especially this time of year.

"You don't know, Christmas was always my favorite time of year, look at my house now, do you see a Christmas tree? Any decorations?" he said.

The investigation is ongoing and 10TV has learned it may reach the federal level.