Svitlana Yelenchuk is charged with stealing items from a woman for whom she worked as a caretaker. (Photo source: Oconto County Jail)
OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A caretaker for a 91-year-old “cognitively impaired” woman was ordered Friday to stand trial for allegedly stealing and selling items worth more than $30,000.
The suspect told police 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.
After testimony at a preliminary hearing Friday, a judge ordered her to stand trial. Arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 17, 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 woman’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.
Svitlana commented that (the victim) told her that her kids have enough, this is mine, and I want to give it to you. Svitlana also indicated that she had been given a pendant that she also pawned, along with some other items that should be on file with the pawn shop. I asked Svitlana if she thinks (the victim) knows what she is doing right now, cognitively. Svitlana stated that of course (the victim) does not remember everyone, and (the victim) does not remember where she is, but (the victim) knows exactly what she wants,” the complaint states. “Svitlana inferred that the daughter was okay with (the victim) giving away some of the jewelry when Svitlana first started working for (the victim). Svitlana denied taking anything that (the victim) did not give her, and stated that it was given to her because (the victim) said it was not enough for what they were paying Svitlana.
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 denied that they had given permission for the items to be given away.
Svitlana Yelenchuk knowingly took and removed, without consent, jewelry items from (the victim)’s residence/estate, valued well over $30,000 (to date 12/24/2025). Svitlana Yelenchuk knew that (the victim) had serious cognitive decline and was her caretaker for that specific reason. Svitlana Yelenchuk knowingly took advantage of (the victim)’s condition to remove high value items that were later pawned for cash,” the complaint alleges.
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