Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox charges former admissions director of nursing home with identity theft...
AG continues efforts to protect nursing home residents from exploitation

LANSING, Mich., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney General Mike Cox announced today that he has charged Alberta Davis, a former admissions director at Luther Haven Nursing Center in Detroit, with stealing the identity of a nursing home resident to obtain a cellular phone account in the resident's name.

"Those who prey on vulnerable adults deserve the harsh punishment our laws impose," said Cox. "This is especially true when an individual uses a position of trust to exploit his or her victims. My office will continue to be vigilant in defending Michigan's citizens, particularly the most vulnerable among us, from identity theft. "

Davis served as admissions director at Luther Haven Nursing Center from October 2001 to September 2005. As the admissions director, Davis had access to all Luther Haven residents' personal identification information, including date of birth and Social Security number.

On June 21, 2002, a cellular telephone account was opened in the name of an elderly female Luther Haven resident using her Social Security number and date of birth. After an anonymous tip, Attorney General investigators determined that the address used for the cellular account was Ms. Davis' residence and that the account had been used to call Davis' family in Michigan and out of state. No payments were made on the cellular account, and service was terminated after five statements were sent to Davis' address.

Davis was arraigned before Magistrate Renee McDuffee in the 36th District Court. She was released on a personal recognizance bond. A preliminary examination date has been set for May 1, 2006, in the 36th District Court.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The penalty for identity theft is up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.00.