Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the guilty plea of JERONA SMITH, 48, a home health aide, to the top count in full satisfaction of the indictment charging the theft of $24,000 and attempting to steal an additional $54,000 from two older adults in her care. SMITH pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to the top count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. Under the terms of her plea, she is expected to be sentenced on January 20, 2026, to a promised sentence of 1-3 years in state prison. 

“Jerona Smith used her access as a home health aide to steal from older adults who relied on her for care. Ms. Smith is now facing prison time for her disturbing conduct,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Those who prey on the perceived vulnerability of older New Yorkers will be prosecuted. If you or someone you know is above the age of 60 and may be a victim of a crime, I urge you to call our Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007 or email EAU@dany.nyc.gov.”

According to charges in the indictment, court documents, statements made on the record, and as admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, SMITH worked as a home health aide and stole from two clients. 

As admitted by the defendant in court, between mid-June and mid-July 2023, SMITH worked for a 70-year-old woman who was suffering from advanced dementia. While caring for her, SMITH used the victim’s existing bank account, credit card, and payment service account to make purchases and send money to third parties, including friends. SMITH also opened new payment accounts and credit cards in the victim’s name. SMITH was aware of the victim’s incapacity during the theft. In total, SMITH stole approximately $19,000 and attempted to steal an additional $54,000 from the victim. 

This indictment that the plea satisfies includes allegations of theft from a second client, a 69-year-old woman who relied on SMITH for day-to-day help. As alleged, SMITH wrote herself checks from the victim’s checking account, made purchases with her credit card, and opened a PayPal account in her name. 

Assistant D.A. Raphaelle Monty (Deputy Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Jeanine Launay (Chief of the Elder Abuse Unit), Shannon Lucey (Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Division), and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Senior Counsel Susan Hoffinger provided valuable assistance.

Assistant D.A. David Torreblanca (Cyber Crime Bureau) assisted in trial preparation under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Virginia Nguyen (Deputy Chief of the Cyber Crime Bureau), Adam Maltz (Deputy Chief of the Cyber Crime Bureau), Jeremy Glickman (Chief of the Cyber Crime Bureau. Retired Detective Matthew Borden and Sergeant Robin Castillo of the DANY Squad, Elder Abuse Analysts Genevieve Rupp and Zoe Wittenwyler and former Elder Abuse Analyst Emily Becker, College Intern Rinchen Lama Yonjan, Deputy Chief of Investigations Gregory Dunlavey, Acting Chief of Investigations Jonathan Reid, Cell Site Analyst Frederick Suarato, Investigator Marko Papic, Supervising Cell Site Analyst Tanya De Vulpillieres, and Director of High Tech Analysis Unit Steven Moran are providing valuable assistance in this case. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for their assistance, particularly Investigator Christopher Bayless. 

 

Defendant Information: 

JERONA SMITH 

New York, NY 

Convicted:

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Identity Theft in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count 

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