Staffer stole money from two vulnerable adults at Iron Range facilities
Minnesota Department of Human Services Logo
EVELETH, Min. – A Minnesota Department of Human Services investigation found a staff member at a home and community-based services facility finically exploited two vulnerable adults.
It happened at two NHS Northstar sites. One in Eveleth and a second in Chisholm.
The investigation in large part focused on Amazon purchases charged to the bank accounts of the vulnerable adults. The investigation also looked at purchases with cash back and food orders.
The questionable purchases first started in 2021, but most noted in the investigation happened in 2024 and 2025.
The person noted in the report was only identified as “Staff Person” and did not note their specific role in the organization.
The Staff Person had received training from NHS Northstar explaining that both venerable adults, “did not understand the value of money and would not know who to speak with if his/her money was being mismanaged.” The Staff Person “completed 32 trainings related to fraud, documentation, maltreatment and rights.” The training also explained, “it was never okay to borrow money from the vulnerable adults.”
The Minnesota Department of Human Services report said, “Based on information obtained the facility reimbursed [one vulnerable adult] a total of $3,761.83, and the [Staff Person] reimbursed the facility a total of $620.17.” The staff member’s reimbursement amount was based on cash withdrawals that did not have corresponding documentation, “as well as the purchases that were made on the [Staff Person]’s Amazon account that used [the vulnerable adult’s] bank account.”
NHS Northstar also reimbursed a second vulnerable adult $52.80 for the unauthorized transactions. The Staff Person did not make any reimbursements in the second case, because they were no longer employed by NHS Northstar when that alleged financial exploitation was discovered.
The report ends saying the Staff Person is will no longer be eligible to work in similar facilities in Minnesota, “[Staff Person] was responsible for recurring maltreatment and that any future background studies for facilities, programs, organizations, and/or agencies that are required to have individuals complete a background study by the Department of Human Services as listed in Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.03, will result in his/her disqualification.”
The DHS report also said, “The facility completed an internal review and determined that the policies and procedures were adequate, but not followed. The facility took corrective action, and the [Staff Person] no longer worked at the facility.”
The report also said law enforcement had been involved, but it was not clear if any charges have or will be filed.
On their website it says NHS Northstar, “[was] established in 1988, provides progressive, comprehensive, individualized services for persons with disabilities and mental illness. Through Residential, and Community Support Services, we offer the best care possible for each client.”
