MA Woman Posed As Caregiver, Stole From Elderly At Framingham Care Facility: AG

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A Leominster woman who posed as a caregiver and stole from elderly victims in two Massachusetts counties has pled guilty to charges against her, the state Attorney General's Office said.

Regina Henaku, 33, of Leominster, has pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from multiple elderly victims while posing as a professional caregiver and working at health care agencies and long-term care facilities throughout Worcester and Middlesex Counties, officials said.

Through various jobs as a supposed health care worker, officials alleged that Henaku stole the bank cards of at least 16 elderly victims, used the bank cards of 11 of those victims to steal approximately $28,000 and attempted to steal from the rest.

On Tuesday, Henaku pleaded guilty in Middlesex Superior Court to larceny over $250 from an elder or disabled person, credit card fraud, attempted larceny over $250 from an elder or disabled person, identity fraud and witness intimidation.

As a result of the plea, Henaku was sentenced to two years in a house of correction, with one year to serve and the balance suspended for two years. Additionally, Henaku was barred from any work involving the elderly and disabled and from working in health care or social work.

During and following the AGO’s investigation, virtually all of the fraudulent credit card purchases were refunded to victims by their credit card and banking companies. As a result of the plea, Henaku has also been ordered to pay any remaining restitution to victims of her scheme.

The AGO alleged that between August and November 2024, Henaku used the stolen identities and professional credentials of a relative and a former co-worker to fraudulently pose as a professional caregiver and gain employment at five different health care agencies, long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities.

Henaku typically stayed at each job for a period of a few weeks, during which time she allegedly stole the credit or debit cards of elderly victims, including MassHealth members, and then used or attempted to use the cards without the victims’ knowledge.

The locations at which Henaku worked while stealing from the victims include a long-term care facility in Framingham, a senior living facility in Bedford and assisted living facilities in Hudson and Leominster, amongst others within Worcester and Middlesex Counties.

Additionally, the AGO alleged that while being investigated for her conduct by a local police department, Henaku purposefully misled the police about her identity by fraudulently posing as and using the identity of a relative