D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Home Health Aide For Stealing $24,000 From Clients

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of JERONA SMITH, 47, a home health aide, for allegedly stealing $24,000 and attempting to steal an additional $54,000 from two older homebound adults in her care. SMITH is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, two counts of Identity Theft in the First Degree, and three counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree. [1]

"As alleged, Jerona Smith broke the trust that her clients instilled in her by stealing their hard-earned money," said District Attorney Bragg. "My Office will continue to prosecute those who prey on the vulnerability of older New Yorkers in their care. If you or someone you know is above the age of 60 and may be a victim of a crime, I urge you to call our Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007 or email [email protected]."

According to court documents and statements made on the record, SMITH worked as a home health aide and stole from two clients.

Between mid-June and mid-July 2023, SMITH worked for a 70-year-old woman who was suffering from advanced dementia. While caring for her, SMITH used the victim's existing bank account, credit card, and payment service account to make purchases and send money to third parties, including friends. SMITH also opened new payment accounts and credit cards in the victim's name. SMITH was aware of the victim's incapacity during the theft. In total, SMITH stole approximately $19,000 and attempted to steal an additional $54,000 from the victim.

Between February and December 2023, SMITH worked for a second client, a 69-year-old woman who suffered from advanced osteoporosis and multiple back fractures. The woman was homebound and relied on SMITH for day-to-day help. SMITH wrote herself checks from the victim's checking account, made purchases with her credit card, and opened a PayPal account in her name for a total of approximately $5,000 in charged transactions.

Assistant D.A. Raphaelle Monty (Deputy Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Jeanine Launay (Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit) and Shannon Lucey (Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Division), and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division).

Detective Matthew Borden and Sergeant Robin Castillo of the DANY Squad, Elder Abuse Analyst Genevieve Rupp and former Elder Abuse Analyst Emily Becker, Cell Site Analyst Frederick Suarato, Supervising Cell Site Analyst Tanya De Vulpillieres, and Director of High Tech Analysis Unit Steven Moran are providing valuable assistance in this case.

Defendant Information:

JERONA SMITH

New York, NY

Charged:

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, two counts
• Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, one count
• Identity Theft in the First Degree, two counts
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, three counts

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.