Three charged with identity theft of elderly

Jan. 8, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- CLINTON, Ky. -- The Hickman County Sheriff's Department arrested three former nursing home employees in connection with allegedly taking a resident's credit card and going on a shopping spree.

Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Vincent arrested Patricia Shields on Tuesday evening and charged her with identity theft. He also arrested Nicole Fulford on Tuesday evening and charged her with exploitation of an elder, identity theft, fraudulently obtaining a credit card and tampering with evidence.

Vincent arrested Jessie Sanders on the same charges as Fulford Wednesday morning as well as tampering with evidence for allegedly throwing away athletic shoes bought with the card.

All three are from Clinton. They were taken to the Fulton County Jail in Hickman because the Hickman County jail does not house female inmates.

The women were certified nursing assistants at Arbor Place in Clinton when a female resident's credit card was stolen in early December, Vincent said. Someone charged more than $700 on the card, buying clothes and shoes, he said.

Fulford and Sanders were fired Jan. 2 and Shields on Wednesday after another nursing home employee heard rumors and became suspicious, Vincent said.

State police Detective Brett Miller is also investigating, and additional charges are possible, Vincent said.

Nursing home administrator Ronnie Sells could not be reached Wednesday evening.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0153-30926402