A North Carolina woman who used to manage an adult residential facility pleaded guilty to stealing money from its residents.
From November 2018 to June 2021, Desiree Etheridge stole funds from the ATM cards of six residents while she was working as the residential manager of Eden II, an adult residential facility in St. James. As facility manager, Etheridge had control and access to the six residents’ bank accounts and debit cards. One of her responsibilities was to withdraw money to place in each residents’ petty cash envelope so they could go on outings to restaurants and local stores. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Etheridge depleted the residents’ bank accounts.
Etheridge was arrested on August 12, 2022 after voluntarily surrendering to law enforcement. On July 29, 2024, Etheridge pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.
Etheridge is due back in court for sentencing on August 29, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to one to three years in prison.
“This case represents a grievous breach of trust. The defendant exploited vulnerable individuals who relied on her for their basic needs and financial management. She took advantage of the COVID-19 shutdown, when these residents were already isolated and at risk, to deplete their accounts,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “This guilty plea is a step towards justice for the victims, but it cannot undo the harm caused to these residents who were simply trying to maintain some quality of life during difficult times.”