Woman Accused of Stealing from Residents in Her Care

 Posted on October 23, 2012 in Theft

A former manager of an assisted living home for the developmentally disabled has been accused of stealing more than $9000 from four residents of the home by using their bank cards without their permission. Linda Cottrell, 37, was arraigned on charge of financial exploitation of a disabled person. Her bail was set at $50,000 by the court.

According to a report in the Daily Herald, prosecutors told that court that Cottrell had access to the safe where the residents’ bank cards were kept. The alleged thefts began occurring in December 2008 and continued up until December 2011. Cottrell is accused of making multiple unauthorized withdrawals, ranging in amounts between $110 up to $7,698, with a total amount of $8,848 taken.

Cottrell was charged when another employee of the home noticed a discrepancy in some of the accounts. A statement released by State Attorney Robert Berlin said his office would prosecute Cottrell to the “fullest extent of the law.”

“What Ms. Cottrell is accused of is very serious and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Berlin. “People with disabilities rely on others for their day-to-day living and to steal from someone who has placed that amount of trust in you is just disgraceful.”

The charge of financial exploitation of a disabled person is a Class 2 felony, and if found guilty, Cottrell could face prison. If you are arrested and charged with a felony, you need an experienced Cook County felony defense attorney to represent you.