A former nursing home aide has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $60,000 from a resident at a Rochester nursing facility.
Rachel Paillet, formerly employed at The Pearl Nursing Center of Rochester, pleaded guilty in Monroe County Court to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. An investigation by the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found that between April and November 2023, Paillet stole a resident’s debit card and used it to make 220 cash withdrawals totaling more than $60,000.
According to investigators, the debit card was primarily used by the resident to cover incidental expenses and monthly nursing home payments. The theft was discovered in November 2023 when a payment to the facility was declined due to insufficient funds. The nursing home contacted the resident’s bank and learned of numerous ATM withdrawals over several months.
Authorities say Paillet used the stolen funds at ATMs throughout the Rochester area, including locations at Delta Sonic Car Wash, Wegmans, and Tops stores. The money was spent on groceries, bills, and lottery tickets.
“Nursing home residents must be able to trust and depend on their caregivers,” Attorney General Letitia James said. “Rachel Paillet violated her duty and exploited a vulnerable New Yorker. My office will not tolerate abuse or exploitation of nursing home residents.”
Paillet is expected to be sentenced to 30 to 60 days in jail, concurrent with five years of probation, and will be ordered to pay restitution.
Attorney General James encourages anyone with information about nursing home abuse, neglect, or concerning conditions to file a confidential complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General or call the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at (212) 417-5397. In an emergency, residents are urged to call 911.
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