The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
The care of elders in long-term care facilities should always be conducted with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, elder abuse remains a pressing concern in some nursing homes. Protecting our elders should be a top priority for families, caregivers, and lawmakers alike. Addressing this problem requires awareness, practical solutions, and a collective effort.
Continue reading Protecting Our Elders: Combating Abuse in Long-Term Care Facilities
Ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly family members in nursing homes is a significant concern for many families. Nursing home abuse is a distressing reality that can have devastating effects on victims and their families. It is crucial to recognize the signs of abuse, understand the appropriate steps to take, and know how to report such incidents. This comprehensive guide aims to provide families with the necessary information to identify and report nursing home abuse effectively.
Continue reading How to Identify and Report Nursing Home Abuse: Tips for Families
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of TYRONE CLOSS (DOB: 11/28/1990; single; unemployed) and ANIESA SAMAD (DOB: 7/22/1998; single; unemployed) of 2 Kinderkamack Road, Unit 602, Hackensack, NJ on charges of aggravated manslaughter, desecrating human remains, criminal restraint, elder abuse, and obstruction. The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Jason Love and the River Edge Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael Walker.
Continue reading Two Charged After They Allegedly Dumped a Body in River Edge
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, with over 10% of Americans over age 60 suffering from elder abuse, and seniors especially vulnerable during this period of high inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2022’s States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections, as well as expert commentary.
Continue reading WalletHub Ranked New Jersey the 4th Worst State for Elder-Abuse Protections
![Kim_Covello[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/04-02-18_Kim_Covello1.jpg "94-year-old Bergen County Resident Left Desititute by Scammer")
April 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Park Ridge NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of KIM COVELLO (DOB: 4/20/1955; married; and self-employed) of 167 Mansfield Road, Park Ridge, New Jersey on Theft by Deception and Elder Abuse charges. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
In April 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint regarding suspected elder financial abuse from the Bergen County Board of Social Services Adult Protective Services Unit (APS). The victim was identified as a 94-year-old Bergen County resident who had entrusted a one-time neighbor, Kim COVELLO, with a durable power of attorney. In 2014 and 2016, the APS received complaints regarding financial and care-related issues between the victim and Ms. COVELLO. Those complaints were investigated by APS and then turned over to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the ensuing investigation, it was determined that Kim COVELLO had obtained Power of Attorney over the victim in 2012 and that between 2012 and 2016, Ms. COVELLO had used in excess of $150,000 of the victim’s money for her own purposes. Ms. Covello’s illicit use of the victim’s money included direct payments to herself and members of her family in violation of the Power of Attorney agreement and the use of the victim’s funds to build an addition on her, Ms. Covello’s, house. As a result of Ms. Covello’s actions, the victim’s funds were completely depleted and the victim is now in need of public assistance financing.
As a result of the investigation, Kim COVELLO was arrested on March 29, 2018 in Paramus, NJ and charged with one count of Theft by Deception with the amount involved being greater than $75,000 in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a crime of the 2nd degree; and one count of Elder Abuse in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-8a, a crime of the 3rd degree. Ms. Covello is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
