Nursing Assistant accused of stealing cash from patient at rehab center
Hunter
04/26/22
An Iowa City woman working as a nursing assistant at a rehab center was arrested after allegedly stealing cash from a patient.
24-year-old Makenna Cook of Benton Drive was employed at Iowa City Rehab and Health Care Center on Rochester Avenue. Police say during the course of her shifts on either April 6th or 7th, Cook took $30 from the dresser of a resident. Another employee reportedly saw Cook take the money.
During an interview with staff at the center, Cook denied taking the money and claimed that she had not been at work when the alleged theft occurred, but timekeeping records reportedly proved otherwise.
The criminal complaint goes on to say that the victim is dependent on Cook for her ongoing care and assistance with daily tasks, and was deceived by Cook when she entered the room under the auspices of conducting duties related to her employment but instead committed the theft.
A warrant was issued for Cook’s arrest; she was arrested April 20th and charged with Dependent Adult Abuse and 5th degree theft, both simple misdemeanors. She could be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail if convicted on both charges.
Court records indicate Cook has pleaded not guilty and requested trial by jury during an appearance Monday.