Nursing home employee charged with grand larceny and ID theft

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A local nursing home employee has been arrested.

Lenora Colbert of Rochester, 63, is accused of taking an elderly resident’s credit card and using it in Rochester and Irondequoit.

After family members noticed some unexplained charges on their loved one’s credit card statement, they went straight to law enforcement.

“On Sept. 15 we were called for a larceny report at the nursing home and through an investigation, we determined that a resident of the nursing home had their credit card taken out of their wallet, and then their card was used to make some fraudulent purchases," said Sgt. Keith Ball with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. "One of our investigators went out there and met with an employee of the nursing home who admitted to taking the card and then using it to make those purchases."

Sgt. Ball says residents should keep their valuables locked up but sometimes the best defense is having a watchful eye at home.

"Having family members that are aware and are watching the credit card statements as they come in, or watching the bank account statements, having a fresh set of eyes on things to make sure that something doesn’t look wrong or that somebody isn’t taking advantage of a situation is always great," Sgt. Ball said.

Woodcrest was unavailable for an interview but issued this statement:

"The safety and well-being of those we serve is always our priority. While we are unable to comment on specific personnel matters, we are fully cooperating with the authorities to ensure a positive outcome for those in our care. We are grateful to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their support. Per Woodcrest Commons’ policy, proven infractions of this nature result in immediate termination."

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says this happened at the Woodcrest Commons Senior Living Facility in Henrietta.

Colbert was arrested on 9/28 for Grand Larceny 4th (Class-E Felony) & ID Theft 3rd (Class-A Misd). Colbert was issued an appearance ticket for Henrietta Town Court at a later date. Excellent work by the initial responding deputy & the investigator bringing this case to a close.

— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) September 29, 2021

Colbert is charged with grand larceny and ID theft. Per MCSO, she has no criminal history. The investigation is ongoing.