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Report: State caregiver thefts from disabled is widespread

New York State Flag

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — An investigation of state employees stealing from developmentally disabled people in their care has prompted a call for better oversight by the agency overseeing group homes for the disabled.

New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott says Thursday that her investigation found a widespread pattern of "preying on a vulnerable population by those charged with their care."

The report detailed 10 cases that have been prosecuted. They included employees of state-run group homes who stole residents' cash and gift cards or made personal purchases from residents' accounts.

In response to the report, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities agreed to implement reforms including periodic audits of residents' cash accounts and more accurate logs of transactions.

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