Former St. James Adult Home Manager Admits To Stealing Residents' Money: DA

SAINT JAMES, NY — The former facility manager of Eden II in St. James admitted to stealing funds from the ATM cards of six residents who entrusted her with their cards for petty cash purposes, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Monday.

Desiree Etheridge, 50, of North Carolina, pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny.

"This case represents a grievous breach of trust," Tierney said in a news release. "The defendant exploited vulnerable individuals who relied on her for their basic needs and financial management. She took advantage of the COVID-19 shutdown, when these residents were already isolated and at risk, to deplete their accounts. This guilty plea is a step towards justice for the victims, but it cannot undo the harm caused to these residents who were simply trying to maintain some quality of life during difficult times."

From November 2018 to June 2021, Etheridge stole funds from the ATM cards of six residents while she was working as residential manager of Eden II, a residential facility, according to court documents. As facility manager, Etheridge had control and access to the six residents’ bank accounts and debit cards, prosecutors said.

One of her responsibilities was to withdraw money to place in each residents’ petty cash envelope so they could go on outings to eateries and local stores, investigators said. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Etheridge depleted the residents’ bank accounts, authorities said.

Etheridge stole approximately $30K between 2018 and 2022, the DA said, Patch previously reported.

On Aug. 12, 2022, Etheridge was arrested after she turned herself in, officials said. Etheridge pleaded guilty Monday.

Etheridge is due back in court for sentencing on Aug. 29 and is expected to be sentenced to one to three years in prison. She is being represented by Jason Russo. Russo did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.