MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Jeanette Lynn Collins, a certified nursing assistant from Lafayette, was arrested on July 15 after admitting to stealing and using debit cards belonging to elderly residents under her care, McMinnville Police reported.
Collins, 58, is accused of unlawfully taking money and property from two vulnerable patients at the Life Care Center of McMinnville and the OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center. Investigators say she used the stolen cards for unauthorized purchases across Washington and Columbia Counties.
The case began in August 2024 when a credit card was reported stolen from a Scappoose patient at OHSU Hillsboro. The card was subsequently used in a spending spree without the victim’s permission. After months of investigation, a Washington County grand jury indicted Collins in June 2025 on multiple charges including first-degree criminal mistreatment, identity theft, second-degree theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
Additional unauthorized transactions were found in Molalla starting July 1, 2025. Collins admitted to taking one card but could not recall some purchases.
Another victim, an immobile resident at Life Care Center from June 2 to June 19, 2025, reported a stolen debit card. Investigators confirmed $382.66 in unauthorized transactions, including two Walmart purchases on June 20 and 23. Video evidence from Walmart showed Collins making these purchases.
Collins was positively identified and arrested at her Lafayette home. After being read her Miranda rights, she admitted using the cards “a couple of times” citing financial hardship.
Authorities fear there may be more victims involved and have released Collins’ booking photo as the investigation continues.
