Stamford Home Health Aide Accused of 'Fleecing' $28K from Patient

A home health aide has been arrested on charges she “fleeced” an 81-year-old Alzheimer’s patient in her care out of more than $26,000, according to Stamford Police.

Members of the Stamford Police Department Financial Crimes Unit arrested Philliann Barnett, 36, of Bridgeport on charges of first-degree larceny, second-degree larceny, credit card theft, first-degree identity theft, third-degree forgery, “and other charges” in connection with the thefts that apparently occurred after she was hired to care for the woman suffering from “advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” police said.

Police said Officer Paul Deriu of the Financial Crimes unit undertook the case and “quickly discovered that Barnett was a home health care aide who committed numerous acts of fraud which led to losses of over $26,000 to her victim.“

Police alleged that “Upon being hired by the victim’s family, Barnett immediately stole the victim’s identity and opened new cards in her name. Barnett also used pre-existing credit cards and charged personal items on them. Barnett withdrew money from the victim’s bank account and utilized the account to pay her own personal bills.”

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According to Stamford Police, “Barnett has open cases in Ridgefield and Wilton and seeks victims with diminished mental capacity. She is also suspected of stealing jewelry from her victim in Stamford.”

Police also said that Barnett has used the following aliases Nikki Daley, Nikki Barber, Philliann Barber and Philliann Burke.

Barnett was held on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on Dec. 15.

In their statement, Stamford Police Department commended Deriu for bringing closure to the family of the victim whom they entrusted in the care of their parent.

Anyone who recognizes Barnett or may have purchased any items from her, is asked to call the Stamford Police Department Financial Crimes Unit at 203-977-4407.

Stamford Police photo: Philliann Barnett.