Desiree Etheridge, the former facility manager at Eden II in Saint James, has pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree after being accused of stealing funds from the ATM cards of six residents under her care. The Suffolk County District Attorney, Raymond A. Tierney, announced that Etheridge, 50, from North Carolina, admitted to her crimes in court and is expected to be sentenced to one to three years in prison.
Etheridge’s scheme took place from November 2018 to June 2021 while she worked as the residential manager of Eden II, a facility for adults with disabilities. She had control and access to the bank accounts and debit cards of six residents, who relied on her for their financial management. Part of her job was to withdraw money to place in the residents’ petty cash envelopes, allowing them to enjoy outings to eateries and local stores. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and residents were already facing isolation and increased vulnerability, Etheridge exploited the situation by depleting their accounts.
On August 12, 2022, Etheridge was arrested after voluntarily surrendering to law enforcement. Etheridge pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024. She is due back in court for sentencing on August 29, 2024, where she is expected to receive a prison sentence of one to three years.
“This case represents a grievous breach of trust. The defendant exploited vulnerable individuals who relied on her for their basic needs and financial management. She took advantage of the COVID-19 shutdown, when these residents were already isolated and at risk, to deplete their accounts,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “This guilty plea is a step towards justice for the victims, but it cannot undo the harm caused to these residents who were simply trying to maintain some quality of life during difficult times.”
