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McKeesport caregiver accused of stealing at least $15K from patient

McKEESPORT, Pa. — A McKeesport woman who works as a caregiver is accused of stealing at least $15,000, according to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the criminal complaint, 81-year-old Helene Alberts worked as a caretaker for 83-year-old Lois Schwartz beginning in May 2010.

The complaint said Schwartz’s daughter alerted authorities after noticing unauthorized bank transactions and ATM withdrawals on her mother’s account.

During an interview, Alberts allegedly told detectives she stole from Schwartz because she could barely pay her bills.

District attorney spokesman Mike Manko said investigators believe Alberts stole between $15,000 and $30,000 from Schwartz.

She was arraigned and released on a nonmonetary bond Thursday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 7.

Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE contributed to this report.