Home Health Aide Accused Of Defrauding Disabled Patient

BENSON – A Johnston County home health aide has been charged with a felony offense following allegations she pocketed money while caring for a disabled resident.

Marilyn Melisa Toon, 62, of Robin Circle in Selma, was arrested on October 15 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. She is charged with obtaining property by false pretense.

Authorities say Toon had been hired to provide daily assistance to a wheelchair-bound resident, including running errands such as picking up groceries and medications. Her assignment reportedly began around August 11.

Just over a week later, on August 19, the victim gave Toon $200 to buy groceries. When she returned, Toon reportedly handed over the groceries and claimed she had lost the receipt. While she returned some change, investigators allege Toon kept some of the cash without the victim’s knowledge or consent.

Suspicious, the victim later contacted the grocery store directly and was provided with a copy of the receipt. According to investigators, the receipt revealed that Toon had only spent part of the money and had allegedly kept $51.42 in change. The receipt also listed a ribeye steak the victim says she never received.

Toon was released from custody after a bail bondsman posted her $5,000 secured bond.