A former head of a retirement home admitted this week to stealing $450,000 from the facility.
Barry Pehrsson, the former chief executive officer of the Southwinds Retirement Home in Middleton, NY, said he directed the home’s chief financial officer to write paychecks to Middletown police officer William Maelia, who would cash the checks and return the money to Pehrsson.
Pehrsson, who pleaded guilty to grand larceny, falsifying documents and conspiracy, faces one to three years in prison as part of the plea deal. He agreed to pay restitution by Nov. 15. Maelia will be on trial for grand larceny and conspiracy charges later this month. He was indicted along with Pehrsson in March.
