Former Nursing Home Employee and Wife are Sentenced for Stealing From Elderly Resident

April 25, 2008

Today, Attorney General Steve Rowe announced that Joel Palmer, Jr., and his wife Shannon Marie Palmer, both of Augusta, were sentenced Wednesday for stealing credit cards from a 97 year old resident of a nursing facility, and then embarking upon a shopping spree of over 100 transactions in the amount of more than $9,000 over a two month period.

Both of the Palmers had been employed at times as aides at the facility where the victim resided. Joel Palmer abused his position as a Certified Nursing Assistant to purloin the victim?s credit cards. Among the items purchased with the victim?s credit cards included a computer, video games, and numerous DVD rentals.

Joel Palmer was sentenced to four years in prison, with all but twelve months suspended, two years of probation with conditions, including payment of restitution. Shannon Marie Palmer was sentenced to three years in prison with all but three months suspended, two years of probation with conditions, including payment of restitution. The sentences were imposed following the Palmers? pleas of guilty to Theft by Unauthorized Taking.

Attorney General Rowe said: ?It is unconscionable for a health care worker to victimize the vulnerable elderly residents who they are supposed to be caring for. This behavior is a violation of trust as well as a violation of the law. The Office will seek stiff sanctions against health care workers who take advantage of elders placed in their care.?

The case was investigated by Detective Gerard ?Red? Therrien of the Maine Office of Attorney General?s Healthcare Crimes Unit, Officer Robert Ramsey of the Topsham Police Department, and Lt. Mark Waltz of the Brunswick Police Department. The Palmers were prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Michael Miller, Director of the Healthcare Crimes Unit.

***

NEWS RELEASE April 25, 2008 Michael Miller, (207) 626-8891