Manager accused of bilking nursing home residents

As the business office manager at Crystal Oaks of Pinellas nursing home, Debra Sanders was responsible for making sure elderly residents received money when they needed it from an account maintained by the home.

But authorities say Sanders kept up to $11,266.20 of that money for herself.

Sanders (pictured), 51, was arrested Tuesday morning by Pinellas Park police on felony charges of exploitation of a disabled adult and grand theft.

An audit by Crystal Oaks found 13 checks unaccounted for, said police spokesman Sanfield Forseth.

Sanders was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Austin Bogues, Times staff writer

[Photo: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office]

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