A caregiver from Yellville has been sentenced to four years of probation for stealing thousands of dollars from a dementia patient in her care.
On Monday, 14th Judicial Circuit Judge Andrew Bailey sentenced Laurel’Ye Lunday to 48 months of probation after she pleaded guilty to theft of property, non-financial identity fraud, and computer fraud. Additionally, she was ordered to pay court costs and fines in monthly installments of $100.
According to Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery, Lunday, who had been hired as an in-home caregiver, used the patient’s credit card to make unauthorized online purchases totaling $6,943.33. These included orders for food, clothing, and party supplies, some of which were delivered to the patient’s home while others were shipped directly to Lunday’s residence.
Court records indicate that a separate charge of abuse of an endangered or impaired person was dismissed as part of the proceedings.
Sheriff Montgomery said the investigation began after the patient's family reported the unauthorized charges to authorities. The case culminated in Monday’s sentencing.
Lunday will remain under probationary supervision while paying associated fines and costs as stipulated by the court.