Nursing home sued for employee theft

A Bethalto nursing home is being sued after one of its employees allegedly stole nearly $230,000 from a resident.

Everett Jett, on behalf of his father Adolph Laschober, filed a lawsuit July 29 in Madison County Circuit Court against Morning Star Home Health Care Inc.

Adolph and Helen Laschober moved in to the Morning Star Home Health Care facility in December 2008, according to the complaint. Helen Laschober allegedly suffered from Parkinson's disease and dementia until her death. Adolph Laschober has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Jett claims Morning Star Home Health's contract with his parents did not allow its employees to be involved in any financial transactions with the residents. However, Jett claims from February 2009 through August 2010, Kayla Mueller, an employee of the nursing home, made more than 260 ATM withdrawals totaling more than $210,000 from his parents' bank account. He also alleges Mueller received nearly $18,000 in cash from the same account and kept all of the money for her personal use.

Jett accuses Morning Star Home Health of negligent supervision and breach of contract. He asks to be awarded a judgement of more than $450,000 plus interest and costs of the lawsuit. Attorney Bob L. Perica, of Wood River, represents Jett.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-1258