Home Aide Stole Nearly $175,000 From Elderly Man: Nassau Police

A Hempstead woman was arrested on Thursday after police say it was discovered that she stole tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly man she worked for as a home health aide.

According to Garden City police, Yvelise Marcellus, 29, of Baldwin Road, owned and operated Ray of Light Companion, and worked as a home health aide for her company. Between Feb. 3 and Oct. 19, police say she was employed and cared for a 90-year-old man who lived on Seventh Street.

During that time, police say Marcellus altered and forged at least 18 personal checks she got from the man. Police say the total loss was more than $174,000. Police arrested her at her home without incident.

Yvelise is charged with second-degree grand larceny, first-degree identity theft and 18 counts of possession of a forged instrument. She is scheduled to be arraigned today in First District Court in Hempstead.

Garden City police ask anyone who feels they may have been a victim of Yvelise to call the police department at 516-742-9600. All callers will remain anonymous.

Photo courtesy Nassau County Police Department