2 home health care workers accused of stealing from elderly clients

Kathy Elliott, 66, and Anita Puskas, 42

TAMPA -- Two home health care workers have been accused of stealing from their elderly clients.

Kathy Elliott, 66, of Ruskin, and Anita Puskas, 42, of Riverview, are facing charges of exploiting the elderly women for whom they worked as in-home health care companions.

Investigators said Elliot took large amounts of jewelry from the homes of two women, ages 67 and 98, then pawned the items.

During the investigation, detectives learned about another case of elderly exploitation involving Puskas, officials said.

Puskas is accused of withdrawing large amounts of money from an 87-year-old woman's bank account.

Elliot was arrested Tuesday on two counts of exploitation of an elderly person, two counts of grand theft, two counts of dealing in stolen property and two counts of false information on a pawnbroker form. Additional charges are pending.

Puskas was arrested last week on charges of exploitation of an elderly person, grand theft and 12 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card.

Officials said both women were employed by Hanson Services.

Detectives are asking any other potential victims to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.

The investigation continues.

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2 home health care workers accused of stealing from elderly clients