REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Assisted living facilities are supposed to care for some of the most vulnerable and provide a safe place to call home. However, Reidsville police said two former employees took advantage of an assisted living facility by committing fraud.
The owner of Pine Forrest in Reidsville describes her care facility as a thriving business with a family feel. She was devastated when she found more than $20,000 missing from the business bank account in November.
"Our office was broken into, and with that being said, we identified back in November that some checks had been stolen," recalled Pine Forrest Owner Alexandria Blackwell.
Blackwell recalled making a desperate call to the bank and the police.
"The First thing that went through my head is that this is a huge case. We do see cases where checks get stolen, but not typically to this magnitude," explained Reidsville Police Detective Jordan Dixon.
During the investigation, detectives found evidence pointing to two former employees, and Blackwell couldn't believe it.
"These two employees were also hardworking, so I had no idea that this would happen. I also want to state that we followed proper protocol, did criminal background checks, checked references, and checked everything out. So, we had no clue," Blackwell said.
Investigators identified about 60 checks made out in various amounts.
"Most of the checks were wrote to fictitious names or names of people that either worked for the rest home or had formerly worked for the rest home to I guess spread the blame," said Detective Dixon.
Detective Dixon said the trail was hard to follow because the suspects, nine in total, manipulated the system by using mobile deposit sometimes through third party vendors.
"If I write you a check and you go in the bank, the bank's is going to request your ID to cash the check, especially if you're not a member of that bank, online we don't have that," explained Detective Dixon.
Police are still looking for some of the suspects.
Blackwell has this message for all nine, including her two former employees:
"God forgives. I don't know your situation, but I believe you have to forgive in order to be forgiven, and I prayed about it, and we're continuing to move forward here at Pine Forrest."
Detective Dixon urges businesses to move away from checks and use paperless options instead, like credit cards.
All the suspects face several charges, including conspiracy, larceny, and obtaining property by false pretenses. Seven of the nine are in custody.