Head Housekeeper Accused of Stealing Nursing Home Resident's Identity

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — The head housekeeper of an assisted living facility is accused of stealing a former resident’s identity and racking up thousands of dollars in a shopping spree around the south suburbs. Demonte Williams, 33, of Country Club Hills, is charged with aggravated identify theft against a victim over age 60.

Palos Heights police went took a report from , on March 12, where an elderly resident reported multiple charges against his checking account totalling $7,500. Purchases had been made at various businesses around the south suburbs. The resident told police he had come to the Palos Heights facility from another facility in Hazel Crest, where he had resided for a decade.

Investigators went to various businesses where the purchases were made and pulled video of the alleged fraudulent transactions. In each video, the same person, later identified as Williams, was captured making the purchases, police said.

With the assistance of other area law enforcement officers, Palos Heights police identified Williams as a tentative suspect residing in Country Club Hills.

On Friday, Palos Heights investigators went to the assisted living facility in Hazel Crest. Police said staff were able to confirm Williams identity as the head of housekeeping for the entire facility.

Williams happened to be working at the time and was taken into custody without incident. According to police, Williams was in possession of the elderly man’s bank card at the time of his arrest.

The County Club Hills man was interviewed and allegedly admitted to making the fraudulent charges on the man’s card.

Williams was formally charged, processed, and released. His case is assigned to the Bridgeview Courthouse.