DHHS Worker Sentenced for Theft from Elderly

Another DHHS worker that was caught stealing has been sentenced to two years in jail with all but 30 days suspended. Albert Bouchard of Limestone was charged with stealing more than $9,000 in funds from elderly clients to purchase jewelry, electronics, gift certificates and furniture for himself, his wife, children and his girlfriend between 2001 and 2003. This seems to be a growing trend at Maine DHHS (formerly DHS).

From the Bangor Daily News:

In one instance, Bouchard charged a $300 digital camera to the account of one elderly woman with dementia and also made several cash withdrawals from her account.

He used another client’s account to purchase a $1,300 large-screen television for his home and delivered a 27-inch TV to the nursing facility at which the client was living.

Bouchard also charged the accounts of two clients with dementia for several pieces of expensive jewelry, including a $600 diamond anniversary ring and a $700 gold rope chain necklace. Rowe said Bouchard delivered inexpensive substitutes to the clients, who were residing at nursing care facilities. Full Story