PITTSBURGH -- A former Kane Care Center employee accused of stealing thousands of dollars that were intended to go to nursing home patients has been found not guilty.

Allegheny County district attorney investigators filed theft charges against former Kane Care Center worker Patricia Irwin.

Irwin, who worked as a resident advocate at the Scott Township center, was accused of taking nearly $7,000 in funds intended for nursing home residents.

She admitted to putting money in her personal account, but said she spent all of the money on the patients at Kane. The judge agreed.

After the trial, Irwin said, "It was very hard. It's been three years. It has not been easy; four or five postponements and it just keeps going on and on. I knew it would be fine in the end, but it was still nerve-racking going on and on and on."

She retired in 2004, which is when the allegations came to light, according to Kane executive director Dennis Biondi.

Irwin's supporters cheered in the courtroom when they heard the verdict.