Brainerd Worker Charged in Vulnerable Adult Theft

Brainerd (trfnews.i234.me) — Julie Marie Aleman faces two gross misdemeanor charges in Crow Wing County District Court.

Aleman, 51, is charged with financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and theft.

The charges involve money belonging to a resident identified in court records as JCR.

The alleged conduct occurred between May 28 and July 11, 2024.

Court records say the reported loss totaled $733.90.

Missing Money Reported

Police received a theft report from Oak Ridge Homes in Brainerd on July 11, 2024.

A staff member reported money missing from JCR’s bank account and a residence safe.

The complaint describes JCR as a vulnerable adult who received help with financial transactions.

Staff members recorded each transaction on a checking log and petty cash ledger.

The complaint says three $200 ATM withdrawals were not listed on those records.

The withdrawals happened on May 28, June 6 and June 26.

Court records say Aleman was scheduled to work on all three dates.

Staff said ATM withdrawals were not the normal practice for resident funds.

They usually withdrew money with bank employees and recorded the transaction.

The complaint also says $133.90 was missing from JCR’s petty cash safe.

Staff reported Aleman was the only employee at that location with safe access.

Employee Questioned About Funds

A supervisor and another staff member went to the residence on July 11.

They found Aleman clocked in but away from the location, according to the complaint.

Aleman said she was at a doctor’s appointment.

Staff then told Aleman that resident money could not be accounted for.

The complaint says Aleman did not explain the missing funds.

It says she became defensive and said she would quit.

JCR later told staff that Aleman was the employee who went to the bank with him.

Aleman Denies Taking Money

Investigators contacted Aleman by phone on September 17, 2024.

Aleman said she was no longer living in Minnesota.

She denied knowing what happened to the missing money.

Aleman said she recorded all transactions in the required ledger.

She acknowledged completing ATM withdrawals for JCR and another client.

Aleman also said she entered the personal identification number during those withdrawals.

She denied making cash withdrawals inside a bank.

Aleman said the financial records were complete before her employment ended.

Charges Filed

Aleman faces one count of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.2335.

She also faces one count of theft involving property valued above $500.

The theft charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.52.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.

Readers can search court records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Aleman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.