Accountant Accused Of Stealing $116,000 From 100-Year-Old Client To Pay Gambling Debts
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) -- Delaware County prosecutors say a Yardley woman used her position as an accountant to steal more than $116,000 from a 100-year-old client.
Jeanne Swain, 58, was charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception, all felonies of the third degree.
District Attorney Jack Whelan says Swain was Elizabeth Webb's accountant for 22 years but after she was made power of attorney in 2013 allegedly began using Webb's money for personal expenses.
"Webb probably at that point in time was feeling because of her age and because of the relationship she had with the accountant she could trust her," Whelan said.
Wednesday's announcement of charges came as the second case in Delaware County this week of a suspect using power of attorney privileges to allegedly steal money.
"It's explosive. It's an explosive document because you put it in the person's hands that is unscrupulous, in the wrong person's hands, he may take advantage or she may take advantage of everything you've worked for all of your life," Whelan said.
Tuesday, prosecutors announced charges against Carol Mongrandi of Brookhaven for allegedly using her 92-year-old mother's accounts to withdraw cash from ATMs and open credit cards.
Mongrandi allegedly also stopped paying her mom's monthly living expenses.
Investigators believe Swain's motive was gambling debts of nearly $300,000 and say there may be more victims.
Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Swain's is asked to call Detective Edward Kazlo directly at 610-891-3974.
