Case manager accused of swindling $70k from elderly victim's account

by Sophie Pendrill

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A former case manager at a West Palm Beach senior living facility allegedly exploited an elderly victim's finances, racking up nearly $70,000 in unauthorized expenses.

“Exploiting the most vulnerable members of our community will not be tolerated. We will hold accountable anyone who abuses a position of trust to take advantage of others,” said Lieutenant William DeVito.

The West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) announced on Friday that it had received reports of financial exploitation at a senior living facility.

According to WPBPD, they discovered that Megan Elizabeth Bernat, who worked as a case manager, abused her position to gain access to the victim’s finances.

Financial records reportedly showed that Bernat, 45, used the victim's bank account to pay for her own expenses, which included gas, groceries, medical bills, and even online purchases.

Over the course of several years, the total losses to the victim amounted to more than $68,600, per WPBPD.

Bernat was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including two felony counts of criminal use of personal identification information, exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, and money laundering involving transactions of over $20,000 but less than $100,000. 

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Case manager accused of swindling $70k from elderly victim's account