Nursing home thief changes plea to guilty

Published 2:01 pm Sunday, February 7, 2016

A Cedars of Austin nursing aide accused of stealing from a resident pleaded guilty Friday.

Jennifer Brekke, 35, of Austin changed her plea to guilty Friday to second-degree burglary as part of a plea agreement. A theft charge was dismissed.

According to a court complaint, the victim reported money missing from her purse to police on Aug. 2, 2015. The victim had been missing money on several occasions and suspected one of the nursing home employees was stealing from her.

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The victim had set up a motion-sensor camera and allegedly caught Brekke on camera stealing about $53 from her purse while the victim was out to lunch.

Police interviewed Brekke, who admitted she was on camera taking the money but said she had taken it at the victim’s request so the victim could go shopping. Brekke allegedly told police she gave the money to the victim.

Brekke is scheduled for sentencing May 5.