A former employee of a Pinehurst senior-care facility faces multiple charges following an investigation into the alleged financial exploitation of an elderly resident.
Pinehurst police identified the defendant as 49-year-old Michael Bittle of Wagram, a former employee of The Greens at Pinehurst.
Unauthorized Purchases Alleged
Police allege that Bittle obtained a resident’s debit card and used it to make multiple unauthorized purchases. The investigation began in September after authorities received a report of transactions involving the resident’s bank account.
Investigators reviewed financial records, witness accounts and surveillance video. Police said automated license-plate-reader information also helped connect Bittle’s vehicle with the location of an allegedly fraudulent transaction.
Five Charges Filed
Detectives obtained warrants charging Bittle with identity theft, obtaining property by false pretenses, exploitation of an older adult, financial-transaction-card theft and financial-transaction-card fraud.
Bittle was arrested October 20 and initially held without bond. All charges are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: Sandhills Sentinel, citing the Pinehurst Police Department.
