Jail For Woman That Stole $77K From Elderly Aunt In Warren: NJAG

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — A Pennsylvania has been sentenced to three years in jail for stealing $77,000 from her elderly aunt with dementia, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said.

Deanna Attinello, 26, of Easton, Pennsylvania, will also pay $48,000 in restitution to her aunt, Grewal said. She pleaded guilty in November to second-degree misapplication of entrusted property.

"Financial abuse of the elderly is even more egregious when it deprives a victim of funds needed to provide for proper care in an institutional setting," said Attorney General Grewal. "The prison sentence handed down to this defendant sends a clear message that those who cruelly prey on New Jersey’s vulnerable senior citizens will be held accountable."

Attinello was granted legal guardianship of her aunt in January 2017, after the woman was diagnosed with dementia, and was given access to the woman's bank accounts to pay for a long-term care facility in Warren, Grewal said. She admitted to withdrawing large amounts of cash within days of being appointed guardian, and wrote large checks to herself, her boyfriend, and her father.

Within four months of Attinello being appointed guardian, the aunt was left with just $26,000.

"Sadly, the elderly are most likely to be exploited by family members and other trusted individuals," said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson. "Through our MFCU’s Elder Protection Task Force we will continue to protect our vulnerable institutionalized population against exploitation and abuse by investigating and bringing charges in cases like this."