NORTH WOODMERE, NY — Nassau County police say a Queens woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a 90-year-old woman while working as her home care aide.
According to detectives, Sarika Mangru, 48, of Jamaica, Queens, was employed to assist the elderly victim at her North Woodmere residence between June 2024 and January 2025. During that time, investigators say Mangru used the victim’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases totaling approximately $30,000.
Following a detailed investigation, members of the Fourth Squad took Mangru into custody on September 16, 2025, without incident.
She is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Grand Larceny in the Third Degree
- Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree
- Identity Theft in the First Degree
- Unlawful Possession of a Personal ID in the Third Degree
Mangru is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead.
Charges & Potential Penalties
| Charge | Classification | Possible Penalty (NY Law) |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny, 3rd Degree | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years in prison |
| Grand Larceny, 4th Degree (2 counts) | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years in prison per count |
| Identity Theft, 1st Degree | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years in prison |
| Unlawful Possession of Personal ID, 3rd Degree | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail |
Note: Sentencing depends on criminal history, plea agreements, and judicial discretion. Penalties may include fines, restitution, probation, or incarceration.
Elder Fraud and Caregiver Exploitation
While this case occurred in North Woodmere, similar incidents have been reported across New York State and nationwide. Studies suggest that financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse, with estimates that 1 in 20 older adults experiences it in some form each year. Caregivers and home health aides are among the groups sometimes implicated, given their access to seniors’ homes, finances, and personal information.
Experts warn that these crimes are often underreported, since victims may not realize what has happened, may feel embarrassed, or may be reluctant to accuse a caregiver they rely on.
Warning Signs of Caregiver-Related Fraud
- Unexplained withdrawals or credit card charges
- Sudden unpaid bills despite adequate funds
- Missing personal property
- Caregivers pressuring for loans, gifts, or signing documents
How Families Can Protect Loved Ones
- Monitor bank and credit card statements regularly
- Set up transaction alerts with financial institutions
- Ensure caregivers are properly vetted and licensed through agencies
- Involve multiple family members in oversight of finances
Residents who suspect elder financial abuse on Long Island can contact Nassau County Adult Protective Services (APS) at 516-227-8472, or in Suffolk County at 631-854-3195. In emergencies, call 911.
