Westview fraud allegations investigated

Editor’s note: This article has been updated from the Aug. 17 print edition to correct inaccuracies in the timeline of events and clarify additional information.

An investigation continues into alleged fiduciary abuse of multiple dependant adults at Westview Manor.

“There is no indication yet how many clients might be affected,” Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke said. “Nor do we know for certain how long it has been going on. The investigation is ongoing.”

Westview Manor employees discovered irregularities that led to a more thorough internal review of their financial records, executive director Bonita Robertson-Bradely said.

“We wanted to make sure it wasn’t a couple of mistakes; we wanted to make sure it was deliberate,” she said. “We not only discovered it, we reported it.”

Westview Manor reported its findings to Kansas Department of Aging and Disabilities on July 22, and then contacted Burke, Robertson-Bradley said.

Burke said Julie Ames, KDAD spokesperson, contacted him to say that the allegations did not meet criteria for an investigation by that department.

However, Robertson-Bradley said KDAD representatives have been to the facility.

“The state has been out and they are satisfied we are on track to correct the problem,” she said.

An independent auditor, hired by Westview Manor, has been working to determine the validity and extent of the alleged fiduciary abuse.

Burke said they hoped the audit would wind up in 10 days to two weeks.