A woman from York County has been sentenced to three years in prison after stealing more than $4,000 from a resident at an assisted living facility where she worked. The case has shocked the local community and shed light on the importance of protecting vulnerable adults.
Rebecca Jean Workman, 48, from Hickory Grove, was sentenced on Monday by Judge Grace Knie. After pleading guilty to multiple charges, including exploiting a vulnerable adult, breach of trust, and financial card fraud, Workman is now facing the consequences of her actions.
The theft happened in 2023 while Workman was working at Palmetto Village, an assisted living center in Chester, South Carolina. Prosecutors said she used ATM and debit cards to take money from a resident’s accounts, ultimately stealing over $4,000 before getting caught. Her arrest followed in January 2024.
In addition to her three-year prison sentence, Workman will also serve five years of probation once she’s released. This case serves as a reminder of the trust placed in caregivers — and how devastating it can be when that trust is broken.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson emphasized the importance of holding people accountable when they take advantage of those who rely on them for care. The legal system’s response in this case sends a strong message that exploitation and financial abuse of vulnerable adults will not be tolerated.
As Workman begins her prison term, the focus now shifts to ensuring that facilities like Palmetto Village continue to provide safe and trustworthy environments for their residents.
