Home Caretaker Faces Charges For Pilfering Money

A 29-year-old Milwaukee woman is facing charges after she allegedly pilfered money from a Bayside couple who hired her as a home caretaker.

Amber Rae Hacket was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Friday with one count of forgery. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

Hacket was hired by the couple, as a caretaker. According to a friend of the victim's family, both of the victims are 84 years old, and one is very hard of hearing, legally blind and forgetful. The other is completely dependent for dressing, bathing and transfers. Even with assistance, she does not walk at all.

Hacket was first paid by check, but then was placed on a direct deposit system. She then asked to be placed back to a check payment, which the couple agreed to. She was being paid $600 per week.

However, after being placed back on a check payment system, the direct deposit payments continued and she never informed the couple. From Sept. 30 to Dec. 23, Hacket received $7,758 in a total of 12 check payments and $10,153 in direct deposit.

Hacket also used the couple’s credit card to purchase $3,160 worth of items from Lady Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret and other stores.

She also took a check from the couple, which she took to another woman and cashed for $3,000.

Hacket will make her initial appearance in court Feb. 29.