POUGHKEEPSIE – Two women, one a home health care aide, have been arrested in connection with the theft of cash, jewelry and personal checks from elderly victims’ residences.  The thefts were reported in July and involved the personal belongings being taken from the victims’ homes and the checks later forged and cashed at local banks.

Poughkeepsie Town Police charged Brandy Marie Lee, 23, of the City of Poughkeepsie with fourth-degree grand larceny and two counts of misdemeanor petit larceny.

Elizabeth Monopoli, 23, of the Town of Poughkeepsie was charged with forgery in the second degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree, both felonies, and misdemeanor petit larceny.

The investigation revealed that Lee allegedly stole the property from three of her clients for whom she worked as an aide. Monopoli is not a home health care aide. But, police said the aide gained the trust of her victims to discover the location of the personal property that was stolen.

Both women were arraigned and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond.

Town of Poughkeepsie Police strongly urge all senior citizens and their families to immediately report any suspicious activity by health care aides or other privately contracted employees working in their home.

Family members who employ home health care aides for elderly relatives are strongly urged to inquire about the background, certifications and quality of care offered by the contracting agency.