The owner of a Craig County long-term care facility was arrested and charged with 17 counts of exploitation, stemming from a state attorney general's officeinvestigation that alleges he stole tens of thousands of dollars from residents.
Randy Joe McKinney, owner of the Golden Life Residential Care Home in Bluejacket, faces up to 170 years in prison, according to prosecutors.
“We cannot tolerate anyone taking such blatant advantage of these vulnerable individuals,” Acting Attorney General Cash said in a statement. “This office will never hesitate to go after perpetrators who prey on those who cannot protect themselves. We will also vindicate the victims in court and hope to return funds to the rightful owners.”
"The investigation found that while McKinney was running and managing the facility, residents would have their finances deposited into a single bank account managed by McKinney on their behalf. He would then transfer funds beyond what was owed to the facility," Cash's office said in a news release.
In an additional court filing, the attorney general's office said they had been informed that since his arrest and subsequent release on bond, McKinney had threatened the alleged victims and attempted to bribe, intimidate or influence residents and staff of the facility.
Reached by phone, McKinney denied all accusations.
"You know, if I'm stealing money off of residents I ought to be out here driving a Mercedes, and I drive an '03 Chevy feed truck," McKinney said.
"Hang onto your underwear, because when all this is all said and done, it's going to be okay for me and the clients I take care of," McKinney said. "Because most of the clients I take care of have been with me for over 25 years. You know, If I'd done something wrong, somebody would have jumped on that bandwagon a long time ago."
In addition to prison time, McKinney also faces fines of up to $170,000. He is scheduled to next appear in Craig County District Court for a preliminary hearing on July 23.
