OMBUDSMAN CHARGED Employee Of Program That Cares for Senior Citizens Charged With Embezzlement
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Feb. 21, 2013 9:28 AM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Elkins, Randolph County
, West Virginia
An employee of a program that cares for West Virginia's senior citizens has been charged with embezzlement.
A federal grand jury indicted Elkins resident Janel Phillips, 44, on Wednesday. She's charged with federal program fraud.
Phillips was one of nine regional managers for the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, administered by Legal Aid of West Virginia.
The ombudsman program was created under federal law to improve the quality of life and level of care for seniors and disabled people housed in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.
The indictment alleges Phillips stole funds intended for wages and travel reimbursement between January 2007 and May 2010.
She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors also demand reimbursement of more than $91,000.
Phillips' public defender didn't immediately comment.
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