An Auburn woman who works as a travel nurse is facing criminal charges in Onondaga County after allegedly being found in possession of credit cards belonging to current and recently discharged patients from a Central New York hospital.
On December 9, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Van Duyn Rehabilitation Center in response to a report of a potential credit card theft involving a patient.
The investigation, which involved both Sheriff’s Detectives and Upstate University Police, led to the discovery that 46-year-old Kelly Churney, of Auburn, a travel nurse assigned to work at Upstate Community Hospital by a temporary staffing agency since October 2024, was responsible for the theft.
The victim’s family had reported unauthorized charges on a credit card covering four counties. On December 19, 2024, Kell Churney was apprehended by University Police. During her arrest, Churney was found to be in possession of multiple credit cards belonging to current and recently discharged patients from Upstate Community Hospital. UPD and the Sheriff’s Office continue to work closely together on this open investigation.
Churney has been charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Possession of stolen property in the fourth Degree, and Identity Theft in the First Degree. She is currently incarcerated at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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