OCONTO (WLUK) — A caretaker for a 91-year-old “cognitively impaired” woman faces a theft charge for allegedly stealing and selling items worth more than $30,000, but the suspect says she was given the items.
Svitlana Yelenchuk, 54, faces one count of theft of movable property worth between $10,000 and $100,000, with a penalty enhancer because the victim is elderly.
At a court hearing Friday, a $10,000 cash bond was set. Yelenchuk returns to court Jan. 15 for a balance of initial appearance, court records show.
According to the criminal complaint, family members of the Oconto Falls woman noticed several items were missing. Five people were responsible for home personal care for the 91-year-old woman.
Among the items missing was a women’s Rolex watch, specifically designed for the company her husband worked for. Also missing were a pair of 14k diamond earrings, and a gold diamond bracelet.
Police discovered the Rolex and 10 other items had been pawned in Green Bay for $19,170.77, with the store identifying Yelenchuk as the seller.
When police interviewed Yelenchuk, she said the woman had given her the items.
Family estimated that the jewelry missing, alone, is going to be valued at well over $100,000, according to the complaint. The victim’s daughter’s denied they have given permission for the items to be given away.
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