Healdsburg caregiver strikes plea deal on theft charges

A 47-year-old Healdsburg caregiver pleaded no contest Thursday to stealing from an elderly woman who suffers from dementia.

Andrew Raymond Ross faces six months in jail as a result of his plea to stealing about $25,000 from the victim’s?accounts.

Under terms of the negotiated sentence, he will spend three years on formal probation and be required to make full restitution, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. His sentence includes a probation condition that he cannot work as a caregiver in any capacity. Ross owned a caregiver management service that was coordinating care for the victim.

He also was a licensed clinical social worker who became a trustee on the victim’s checking account. Within a few months, he began writing himself checks and making online transfers into his personal checking account, according to prosecutors. Out of concern for the victim, the bank looked into the transfers and reported its findings to law enforcement.

In a prepared statement, District Attorney Jill Ravitch said her office “is absolutely dedicated to protecting our seniors from predators” and Ross violated his position of trust.

She emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activity in situations where an elderly person may be at risk.

“Whether the circumstances involve evidence of emotional abuse, physical assault, neglect, undue influence, or fraud, please make the effort to reach out to law enforcement,” she said.

Sentencing is set for July 28.