Westchester caseworker indicted for stealing $300K from dementia patient

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment of Chantel Chenault, a caseworker who is accused of stealing more than $300,000 from a 95-year-old woman with dementia who was under her care.

Chenault was a caseworker with Westchester County Adult Protective Services. James”™ office alleged that between March 2017 and April 2022 Chenault transferred over $500,000 from her patient”™s retirement accounts to the woman”™s checking account and would bring the woman to the bank to make withdrawals multiple times per month. Chenault also regularly made the unauthorized use of the woman”™s ATM card at casinos.

Chenault”™s actions were uncovered when she went on medical leave in March 2022 and the replacement case worker identified the substantial drop in the patient”™s assets, which left her unable to continue payment for home health care.

A Westchester County Grand Jury indicted Chenault on charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Identity Theft in the First Degree, and Official Misconduct. Her next appearance in court is scheduled for June 15.

“Chantel Chenault used her position as a caregiver to steal from someone who trusted her and who couldn”™t protect herself. This betrayal harmed the victim and harmed the reputation of the Westchester County Adult Protective Services,” said James. “All New Yorkers deserve safe and secure services to support autonomy later in life. My office will always defend our seniors against those who attempt to exploit their vulnerability and will ensure bad actors are held accountable.”