Prineville, Ore. – A months-long investigation into suspected financial exploitation at Regency Prineville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Regency Prineville) led to the arrest of a former employee on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Prineville Police Department.
Detectives began looking into the matter in June after facility administrators reported concerns that an employee had accessed client accounts without authorization. During the investigation, police said they identified multiple victims and determined the suspect had allegedly stolen tens of thousands of dollars from residents while employed at the facility.
On December 4th, detectives arrested Violeta Lima, 39, of Madras, on charges of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, Theft in the First Degree, and Forgery in the First Degree. Lima was booked into the Crook County Jail, where she remains pending further court proceedings.
Police noted that Regency has been “fully cooperative” throughout the investigation. The Oregon Department of Justice and the Madras Police Department also assisted with the investigation
Authorities say the case remains active and no further details are being released. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Prineville Police Department.
We reached out to Regency Prineville as well as Regency Pacific for comment, but have not yet received a response.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject mater expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
