Former Norwich retirement home worker charged with fraud

(Contributed photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Oxford Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged a Tillsonburg woman after a fraud investigation that stemmed from multiple incidents at a retirement home in Norwich.

Last August, members of the OPP Oxford detachment were notified of a reported fraud at a retirement home in Norwich.

The initial investigation determined there were several victims with an estimated loss of over $50,000. Police say the amount of missing money has now reached more than $190,000. The investigation is ongoing.

A 50-year-old woman has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. The name of the charged party is not being released due to concerns for their well-being, according to police. The London Free Press recently talked to the woman who was charged. She told the newspaper she feared for her safety.

“I’ve been getting threatening messages, and my family’s been getting threatening messages. People want to see me destroyed and want to hurt me.”

While police have not released her name, the investigation centred around Julie Vitias who was employed at the home before being let go by ownership once details of the investigation emerged. The Echo has reached out to Vitias several times but has not received a response.

“I’m glad is it kind of over with and I am glad for the families. They know who is really responsible for everything,” said a former coworker who did not want her identity revealed and is being called Jane.

Despite just one count of fraud, Jane said she was told the penalty would be the same if multiple fraud charges were laid.

“I just hope she gets over a year because if she gets a year less a day she only has to go to a local jail. If she gets over a year she goes to prison.”

Jane said five former employees have remained close friends even after the closure of the home and the loss of their jobs. She added staff likely won’t be called to testify because they had no idea about the alleged financial abuse.

“We were calling the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) and Ana, the home’s general manager, about the treatment of the residents, and the treatment of staff, we thought that’s all it was about but then I found about the rooms they thought were empty.”

Jane said Trillium’s ownership likely had no idea those rooms did, in fact, have residents in them. She added some residents were also being charged for services they shouldn’t have to pay for.

“She was charging residents for things she had no right to like ambulances. If anyone had to go in an ambulance there is no charge when the home calls.”

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before an Ontario Court of Justice at a later date, likely in March.

If you suspect someone you know may be a victim of these frauds, contact the Oxford OPP.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.