PHOENIX — Melissa May McDougal, a 41-year-old former manager at a care facility in North Phoenix, has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $191,000 from a vulnerable resident of the facility.
According to court documents, the investigation began in August 2022, when McDougal, employed as a manager at the facility near 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road, befriended a wealthy resident. The victim was described as lonely and vulnerable, with no immediate family, and was the only resident at the facility paying $9,000 monthly without government assistance.
The case was triggered by a visit from a pastor to the victim just before her death in January 2024. The victim reportedly confided in the pastor about McDougal helping with her finances. The pastor informed a nursing director, who began an internal investigation. During the investigation, high-dollar checks written to McDougal were found in the victim’s checkbook ledger, and further investigation revealed that the victim’s bank account was still being used even after her death.
McDougal admitted to accepting a $7,000 check from the victim but claimed it was torn up because it was mistakenly written. However, she did acknowledge accepting money for a phone purchase.
Further inquiries revealed that McDougal, in violation of facility policies, had pawned over 267 items, including necklaces, rings, bracelets, and pendants, totaling over $38,000. Investigators also uncovered that from August 2022 to January 2024, McDougal had received $191,050.21 through three separate accounts linked to the victim.
McDougal was arrested on December 18, 2024, at her new job in Peoria. She faces charges of theft (A.R.S. 13-1802A1), a Class 2 felony. The victim’s estate’s executor is seeking prosecution.
McDougal is being held on a $100,000 bond. If released, she will be prohibited from caring for any incapacitated or vulnerable individuals while the case is pending. A preliminary hearing has been set for December 30, 2024.