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CT Woman Charged With Embezzlement, Fraud, ID Theft

A 34-year-old woman was arrested on multiple counts of alleged embezzlement and fraud targeting seniors living in Bridgeport nursing and rehabilitation centers.

Bridgeport Health Care Center

Bridgeport Health Care Center

Photo Credit: Google Maps/Street View

Melissa Meole, of North Branford, was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 17, on a federal criminal complaint charging her with embezzlement, fraud, and identity theft, said John H. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

According to the criminal complaint, Meole was employed by Bridgeport Health Care Center Inc., that operates a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Health Care Center. 

Prior to November 2018, BHCC-INC also operated a second nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Manor. Meole worked in BHCC-INC’s business office and was responsible for processing payroll and for handling the finances of the Bridgeport Manor resident trust account. 

 Between January and October 2018, Meole allegedly embezzled approximately $150,000 from the BHCC and Bridgeport Manor resident trust accounts, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

In addition, the complaint alleges that Meole stole more than $29,000 from BHCC-INC in the form of payroll checks, which she deposited into her personal bank account.

After being fired in Oct. 2018, Meole’s defrauded another employer of more than $9,000, and she allegedly defrauded multiple banks in identity theft and check-kiting schemes.

She was released on $200,000 bail.

Meole faces up to a total of 50 years in prison if convicted of all the charges.

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