Vernon Woman Accused of Embezzling Money from Elderly Man

A Vernon woman was arrested Thursday on charges of embezzling a considerable sum of money from an elderly man in her care.

Debra Ellen Keller, 65, of 22 Thompson Street, was charged with second-degree larceny and second-degree forgery. She was released on a $50,000.00 non-surety bond.

Keller’s arrest stems from an investigation conducted by Vernon Police Detective John DiVenere that began after a criminal complaint was made by Fox Hill Nursing Home in Vernon.

Based on the investigation, detectives learned Keller had embezzled approximately $16,000 from a 79-year-old man she had been caring for prior to his admittance to Fox Hill. Keller is not an employee of the nursing home, detectives said.

During the investigation, the elderly victim had died.

The investigation showed Keller carried out her thefts through unauthorized ATM withdrawals from the victim’s account, and by forging 66 stolen checks from the victim to herself.

Keller is scheduled to be arraigned at Rockville Superior Court Jan. 26.

Photo courtesy of Vernon Police Department