Joliet Woman Stole Thousands From Elderly Patient: Police

AURORA, IL — A Joliet woman accused of taking money from an elderly victim at a North Aurora long-term care facility was arrested by Illinois State Police Wednesday. Mary E. Pfingston, also known as Mary McMillan, 41, was indicted Tuesday on charges of financial exploitation of the elderly, theft, and three counts of public contractor misconduct, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

According to prosecutors, between between February and April of 2015, Pfingston used her position of trust to steal between $5,000 and $50,000 from an elderly resident at the facilty.

Illinois State Police, who are still investigating the incident, said in a press release that Pfingston is a former employee of Senior Services Associates, a State of Illinois contractor. She served as a long-term care ombudsman for a patient who resided at a North Aurora assisted living facility.

Police said they saw several suspicious transactions from the victim's bank account, including an attempted $15,000 wire transfer and a cashed $4,000 check.

The Aurora Beacon-News reported Thursday that the facility where Pfingston was employed is Asbury Gardens in North Aurora. A message from Patch left with the director of Asbury Gardens was not immediately returned Thursday.

Pfingston appeared Thursday in Kane County bond court, where her bail was reduced from $200,000 to $100,000. She would have to post 10 percent to be released.

Her next court appearance is set for Dec. 15. If convicted, Pfingston could face between three and seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, or probation.

Mug shot courtesy of Kane County Judicial Center