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The former director of a Putnam County senior center has pleaded guilty to exploiting residents at the home.
Stephanie Butler will receive an effective 10-year sentence as a result of her plea.
The District Attorney General’s office began investigating Butler nearly two years ago after receiving multiple reports of criminal behavior. As the investigation progressed, agents developed evidence indicating elder abuse at the Senior Lifestyles facility.
Prosecutors said Butler diverted patient medication, took control of patient banking accounts, and used the money for personal enjoyment.
According to a press release, Butler established credit card accounts in residents names, intercepted residents mail to obtain possession of checks payable to them, and completely depleted the bank account of one resident in an amount over $7,000.
“Months of investigation went into preparing to charge Ms. Butler. I am pleased that Butler’s exploitation of the residents of Senior Lifestyles was stopped,” Dunaway said. “The effort of investigators and prosecutors in this case put a stop to the victimization of truly vulnerable people who could not help themselves and have prevented the victimization of many others.”
Butler pleaded guilty to 13-counts during a criminal court hearing Monday. A judge will determine the specific manner in which Butler will serve the 10-year sentence.
