An in-home caregiver accused of defrauding an elderly client by making nearly $7,000 in unauthorized purchases entered a guilty plea in Baxter County Circuit Court on August 17. The defendant, Laurelye Irene Lunday, was sentenced to four years of probation after pleading guilty to theft of property and computer fraud charges.
The case began in December 2025 when a report was filed with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office by the family of the elderly woman receiving care. According to the report, Lunday, 55, had been entrusted with the client’s credit card to make online purchases for her. However, an investigation revealed that Lunday allegedly made unauthorized transactions totaling $6,946.
Court documents state that the unauthorized charges included orders for food, clothing, and party supplies. Some purchases were traced back to pickup locations at stores, while other items were delivered to Lunday’s own residence in Yellville. The victim, who required in-home care due to dementia, relied on Lunday for assistance.
The company employing Lunday terminated her after the allegations surfaced, and law enforcement obtained a warrant for her arrest. She has since been free on a $15,000 bond prior to her court appearance. Lunday was represented in the case by attorney Ben Gibson.
As part of her plea deal and sentencing, Lunday will remain under court-supervised probation for four years.