Centerville Woman Sentenced in Theft Case

Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that a Centerville woman was sentenced to serve 65 days in jail for theft from an elderly person in her care. Juanita Denise Jenkins, 39, pled guilty in October in circuit court in Turner County to one count of Theft, a class four felony.  Circuit Court Judge Timothy Bjorkman also ordered Jenkins to pay more than $2500 in fines, restitution and costs.

“This defendant violated her position of trust by taking advantage of a person in a nursing home,” Attorney General Jackley said. “When that bond of trust is violated, we intend to hold the perpetrators accountable before they can harm others.”

Jenkins worked as a CNA in a nursing home. While on duty, she stole a credit and a debit card from a resident and used those cards to purchase items for her own use. As part of her plea agreement, Jenkins also voluntarily surrendered her CNA certificate. A co-defendant, Christopher Alex Pickner, 22, also of Centerville, pled guilty to receiving stolen property, a class 1 misdemeanor, and was sentenced in October, for his role in the scheme.

A family member of the victim reviewed the credit and debit card statements and notified authorities of the unauthorized transactions. “We encourage family members to review financial statements to ensure that their loved ones do not fall victim to similar schemes,” Attorney General Jackley said. “If they see suspicious activity, we encourage them to contact us or local law enforcement.”

The case was investigated and prosecuted by the South Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Turner County State’s Attorney, and the Viborg Police Department. Anyone who has concerns about financial exploitation, physical abuse, or neglect of elders or vulnerable persons may contact local law enforcement or the South Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in Pierre by phone at (888) 497-3100 or (605) 773-4102, or by email, ATGMedicaidFraudHelp@state.sd.us.    

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