An Allegany woman is facing serious felony charges after New York State Police accused her of misappropriating over $46,000 from vulnerable residents at a senior living facility where she was entrusted with managing their personal finances. The arrest follows an intensive investigation into financial misconduct in the Southern Tier.
Charges Filed Against Allegany Resident
Brenda L. Buck, 59, of Allegany, has been charged with one felony count of grand larceny and one felony count of falsifying business records. According to investigators with the New York State Police, Buck allegedly diverted more than $46,020 from residents at a residential care facility in Steuben County over a twelve-month period.
Details of the Financial Misconduct
The investigation revealed that Buck, whose professional responsibilities included overseeing resident financial accounts, allegedly carried out the thefts between March 2023 and March 2024. Authorities state that she attempted to mask the missing funds by manipulating internal documentation and forging signatures. Approximately 30 residents of the facility were identified as victims of this fraudulent activity.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the financial protection of seniors in the Western New York region. Cases involving the exploitation of the elderly often require complex forensic audits to uncover, as the victims may not always be in a position to monitor their own accounts closely.
Investigation Initiated by Corporate Audit
The probe by State Police in Hornell began on March 26, after troopers received a report of suspected fraud in the Town of Hornellsville. The initial red flags were raised during a corporate audit that identified significant “irregularities involving a facility’s cash account used for resident transactions.” Following the conclusion of the financial crime investigation, Buck was taken into custody on March 31.
As this case moves through the court system, it serves as a stark reminder for families to remain vigilant regarding the financial management of loved ones in assisted living environments. For more updates on this story and other community news impacting our region, stay tuned to Lake Erie Times.
About the Author: William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for Lake Erie Times. With an extensive background in investigative journalism, William focuses on thorough reporting and critical analysis of community affairs and regional politics across Western New York. You can view more of his work on his author page.
Disclaimer: The content provided by Lake Erie Times is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional legal or financial advice. Some links on Lake Erie Times are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
