Iowa nursing home administrator accused of stealing $32,000 from elderly resident
A former Iowa nursing home administrator is facing serious allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation after civil court filings claim she improperly took more than $32,000 from a relative who lives at the facility. No criminal charges have been filed yet, but a judge has issued a temporary protective order limiting the administrator's contact with the victim.
What happened at Accura Healthcare of LeMars?
State inspection records show that in July 2026, Janelle Scoville, the niece of a 76-year-old male resident at Accura Healthcare of LeMars, filed a complaint with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL). According to state records, Scoville reported that on March 5, 2026, she was notified by her uncle's bank about potentially fraudulent charges to his personal account.
Inspectors allege the bank reported that the charges involved checks written by the resident's stepdaughter, identified in court records as Katrina Bruner. At the time, Bruner was the administrator at the care facility and held power of attorney over some of the resident's affairs. Scoville also raised concerns about medical decisions and the quality of care provided at the facility.
How much money was allegedly stolen?
In her petition filed with Plymouth County courts on March 30, 2026, Scoville alleged under oath that Bruner “has written $32,000 worth of checks to her children from (the resident's) account that he didn't authorize. She paid for her own home remodel with his money and paid for her own credit cards. She was supposed to take over payments of his new car but took the car and paid it off with his money. Is trying to sell his house. Has all his vehicles and keys. I have video of him saying he didn't approve it.”
What did the facility do about the abuse allegations?
The inspection report indicates that an Adult Protective Services worker informed the home's executive director of operations about the allegations of financial exploitation by Bruner, as well as concerns about the resident having to sleep on a couch. The home's former director of nursing told state inspectors that Scoville had expressed concerns about financial and medical decisions made by Bruner but could not recall when those conversations took place. When asked whether the concerns should have been reported to DIAL as potential resident abuse, the former director of nursing allegedly responded, “Until something is proven, there is nothing we can do.”
In July, the home's new administrator confirmed that the facility was required to have notified DIAL as soon as the abuse allegations were reported to staff, according to inspectors.
What legal action has been taken?
On March 30, Chief District Court Judge Patrick Tott approved a Temporary Protective Order Against Elder Abuse, barring Bruner from having any contact with the resident or exercising control over his finances. Bruner stopped working at the care facility on the same day the protective order was issued.
On May 11, Scoville and Bruner filed a joint agreement with the court indicating Bruner, while admitting no liability, agreed to relinquish power of attorney and any control she had over the resident's finances and property. “The issue of alleged financial exploitation and any claim for restitution shall be reserved and deferred for determination by the court at a later hearing,” the agreement stipulated.
What happens next?
Scoville said Friday she is still waiting for a copy of an investigative report from Adult Protective Services, adding that a criminal investigation is still ongoing. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Bruner for comment. Her attorney, Robert Brock, declined to comment on the matter.
This case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable Iowans from financial exploitation and holding care facilities accountable for reporting abuse allegations promptly. State law requires facilities to report suspected abuse to DIAL immediately, and this case raises serious questions about whether Accura Healthcare of LeMars followed those requirements.
FAQ: What Iowa families should know about elder abuse protections
What should I do if I suspect elder abuse at an Iowa care facility?
Contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) immediately to file a complaint. You can also call Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement. State law requires facilities to report suspected abuse, but families should not rely solely on facility staff to take action.
How can I protect a loved one's finances in a nursing home?
Consider appointing a trusted family member or independent third party as power of attorney rather than a facility employee. Monitor bank accounts regularly for unusual transactions and maintain open communication with your loved one about their financial decisions.
What legal remedies are available for elder financial exploitation in Iowa?
Victims or their representatives can file for a protective order against elder abuse in civil court, as Scoville did. Criminal charges may also be pursued by law enforcement. Restitution can be sought for stolen funds, and guardianship or conservatorship can be established to protect the victim's assets.