Bedminster nurse rips off Alzheimer patient for $22,000
May 1st, 2009
by Intelligencer Reporter Christopher Ruvo
A registered nurse from Bedminster stole more than $22,000 from an elderly Doylestown Township man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and then used the cash to pay for expensive lingerie, delinquent tax bills, a trip to an Atlantic City casino and more, authorities said Friday.
Donna M. Hammerstone, 45, surrendered to authorities Friday on various felony charges that could land her in jail up to 15 years if she is convicted, a prosecutor said.
Hammerstone, who lives on the 100 block of Wigton Circle, was set free on $40,000 unsecured bail following a preliminary arraignment before District Judge Philip J. Daly. A future court date looms.
“For a registered nurse to stoop to this level to steal from an Alzheimer patient is disturbing,” said Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney David Zellis. “It goes to show elder abuse is not just physical. There’s financial abuse, emotional abuse.”
Zellis said it’s unclear if Hammerstone, whose ex-husband is a police officer, victimized other elderly people. He encouraged anyone with information to contact Bochenek at 215 348-4201.
“It’s an open investigation,” he said. “Silence is not golden.”
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