NEWTON FALLS, NY – A home health aide has been charged with grand larceny after allegedly misusing a patient’s credit card while under employment in the Town of Fine, New York, State Police reported.
Crystal Erin Newtown, 42, of Newton Falls, was arrested on July 8 and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor.
According to the investigation, Newtown had been hired by the victim to provide in-home care and was given a credit card to make approved purchases. However, State Police allege she exceeded her authority, using the card for unauthorized purchases and withdrawing cash from an ATM, actions that were never permitted by the employer.
Newtown was processed at the Star Lake State Police station and released with appearance tickets. She is scheduled to appear in Fine Town Court for a hearing in September.
Authorities remind the public to carefully monitor financial activity when providing access to caregivers or service workers.
