HUDSON — A Hudson man is accused of stealing more than $85,000 from an elderly bedridden relative and using the funds for personal expenses, including car parts and pet grooming services, according to police.
Steven Dube was arraigned on Feb. 20 in Marlborough District Court on charges of embezzlement, larceny over $1,200, and conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for March 28.
The investigation began on July 17, 2024, when Marlborough Police responded to a home on Barracuda Drive for a reported fraud case. Officer John Creed met with the victim’s caretaker, who discovered the elderly relative’s bank account had been drained after an attempted grocery purchase was declined, The Community Advocate reported.
Elder Services of Worcester was contacted and found that over $33,000 had already gone missing from the account. Dube, the victim’s cousin, had power of attorney and access to the account’s debit card and PIN.
A financial analyst working on the case traced numerous ATM withdrawals made with the victim’s card, many from locations outside the victim’s bank network.
The next day, Officer Creed questioned Dube, who admitted to accessing the funds but claimed he did so to help the victim qualify for MassHealth, according to the police report.
A subsequent investigation revealed that between August 2023 and July 2024, over $85,000 had been withdrawn from the account through debit card payments and cash withdrawals. Some of the money was allegedly sent to two other individuals, including Dube’s son.
Authorities say Dube used the stolen funds to cover overdrafts and pay personal bills.
The victim’s accounts have since been frozen, and he has relocated to a nursing home. Dube’s power of attorney was revoked and reassigned to another family member.
