NK Woman Arrested For Stealing More Than $200,000 From Father

The State Police arrested Barbara Flaherty, 49, of Sedgefield Road, for stealing more than $200,000 from her father between 2009 and 2011.

Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, said the State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Flaherty on a warrant alleging stole money from person over the age of 65, exploitation an elder, and access to a computer for fraudulent purposes.

The investigation by the Financial Crimes Unit originated from a complaint filed on behalf of Flaherty’s elderly father who resides in an assisted living facility. The investigation revealed that in May 2009, Flaherty’s father executed a power of attorney authorizing Flaherty to act on his behalf in private affairs, business, and other legal matters. She continued in that capacity until May 2011.  

During the time period in which Flaherty held the power of attorney for her father, she transferred over $200,000 from her father’s bank accounts into her personal checking account. A review of account records indicate those funds were used to pay her personal expenses. 

The investigation also revealed that Flaherty utilized a credit card attached to her father’s bank account to make personal purchases amounting to over $12,000.00 at various restaurants and stores at a time when her father was living full time at an assisted living facility. Ms. Flaherty failed to pay the assisted living facility for her father’s care and by May 2011 the fees owed to facility were in excess of $100,000.  

Flaherty was arrested by members of the Financial Crimes Unit and taken to the Lincoln Barracks for processing. She was arraigned at the barracks by Justice of the Peace George Lazieh and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. Flaherty is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference at Providence Superior Court on Aug. 23.