License revoked for local certified caregiver after allegedly stealing thousands from client

The Rhode Island Department of Health has revoked the caregiver license of a local woman who is accused of stealing money from a client.

According to Little Compton Police, last summer, an investigation began when a certified caregiver, working for an in-home senior caregiving service, was concerned about a possible fraud being perpetrated against one of her clients. A second certified caregiver with the same in-home health care service was alleged to be falsely obtaining money from the senior client.

The second certified caregiver was identified as 33-year-old Jahlena Ann Giron, of Providence.

The investigation revealed that Giron had taken the victim to the BayCoast Bank branch located in Westport, MA. Giron was able to withdraw $300 from the bank teller in the presence of the victim and then immediately after, withdrew an additional $300 from the branch ATM utilizing the victim’s PIN. On a second occasion, Giron cashed a check obtained from the victim in the amount of $3,500 at the BayCoast Bank branch located in Cranston, RI. Giron then attempted to cash a second check in the amount of $4,800 through a Capitol One on-line service. This check had been flagged by the service and was not processed. Investigators contacted members of the victim’s family and were able to confirm that Giron was not authorized to make any transactions concerning the victim’s bank accounts. It was determined that both checks were forged with the victim’s signature and a third check had also been taken without consent, but never cashed.

On July 25, Giron turned herself into the Little Compton Police Department and was charged with Exploitation of an Elder, Larceny, Forgery/Counterfeiting, and Obtaining Property by False Pretenses.

A hearing was scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Health on March 8th concerning the charges. According to a discipline statement, Giron did not appear, however, the hearing was held anyway.

A hearing officer ruled after presented evidence, that Giron would have her nursing assistant registration revoked.