News >> Browse Articles >> Scandals
Home Care Nurse Ordered To Pay Back $39,000
Kyle Martin / Hernando Today
October 02, 2008
BROOKSVILLE – A home care nurse accused of bilking senior citizens will pay back $39,000 during the next 10 years of her probation period.
Barbara Smith, 62, chose a plea bargain in circuit court on Wednesday instead of her trial date today. Her original charge of exploitation of the elderly was changed to two counts of organized fraud to provide her enough time to repay the victims.
Investigators say Smith took advantage of her clients’ trust and declining mental capabilities to cheat them out of money. In one case, she acquired power of attorney over her 76-year-old client to drain the victim’s bank account.
The victim didn’t know she was losing money because Smith directed the bank statements to a different address.
It’s also alleged Smith purchased a Mercedes Benz worth $13,000 from the victim for $1,500. She sold the car two months later for $12,000 and pocketed the profit.
Detectives say Smith also helped her son out with the victim’s money, paying him $900 to trim hedges and pull weeds and providing him with a $1,250 “loan” that was never repaid.
Smith reportedly wrote two checks worth $5,500 from the victim to another of her clients, age 85, and kept the cash.
Detective Jeff Kraft said that Smith was “remorseful and cooperative” during the investigation.
(c) YellowBrix 2008
bcarrillo
about 1 month ago
14 comments
Sorry I shouldn't say torture. But she should be in jail for taking advantage of the defenseless.
bcarrillo
about 1 month ago
14 comments
I hate to hear that these people exist in health care, especially near the elderly, who need care and love. I hope she finds torture.
raymoss1
about 1 month ago
50 comments
She should go to jaiol and lose every thing she has.
diane316
about 1 month ago
650 comments
How sad! Glad she was caught! She needs to go to jail, and pay back every penny, plus interest!
AbusyRN2go
about 1 month ago
3486 comments
She should go to jail
bourdony
about 1 month ago
26 comments
lord have mercy what was she thinking . we as nurses are already under excessive scrutiny. this just makes us look bad. had this been a doctor he would have gotten a slap on the wrist.and maybe not even hit the papers. i understand she was remorseful but we are suppose to protect and take care of our clients. now anyone can accuse any one of us of stealing and we will be guilty before being proven innocent. bourdony
mmlpn99
about 1 month ago
20 comments
This lady should be locked up, not allowed to be out taking advantage of people!
wynnco123
about 1 month ago
8 comments
What was this lady thinking? What makes these people tick? It just amazes me what people will do for money. Money was developed by the devil it makes people do the craziest things. Wonder if she will lose her license for this. It would be interesting to know what the her state board would do.
traumanu
about 1 month ago
2 comments
It's persons like this, that give nurses a bad name. I'm sorry this person called herself a nuse. It makes me sad that we have persons out here that really have no respect for the ones their caring for. Nursing comes from the heart, your born with that special quailty, it doesn't come over night.
Peggy123
about 1 month ago
2 comments
My brother was 37. A home health aid, put him on the bed, while he was having a seizure. My brother suffercated and of course died. This guy was not my brother homehealth aid, but worked in the building and got to know my brother. So, the police said he had no liablity to help your brother at all. However, morally he could of called 911, but chose not to. He left him to die like a dog. I could never beleive, that this is not a law. It was in New Jersey. I guess they pick and choose who they will arrest, and make the laws while they go along. However i feel what goes around comes around in God's time, not mine. They should always be careful of these people. Have them checked out first.
kstiltner1
about 1 month ago
1326 comments
This is terrible. How can people do this.
Breniaha
about 1 month ago
60 comments
They should NEVER allow her to pratice again!!!! What goes around comes around and carma is something else!!
charlita
about 1 month ago
2992 comments
this is horrible! I don't care what the circumstances were that "drove" this person to do something like this- it is inexcusable. When you are entrusted with the care of another you should take that very seriously.One bad apple spoils the barrell for the rest of us. I hope she is sorry. She should be!!!
cuttie
about 1 month ago
482 comments
I think this is said. I am CHHA, and I can't fantum, taking advatage of my clients like that, if our clients can't trust his or her nurse, who can he trust.
Nursen05
about 1 month ago
3688 comments
I think she was only remorseful and cooperative because she got caught!! Shame on her!!