Caregiver gets probation in McLean County theft case

Raelene Fuller
Raelene Fuller has paid restitution for stealing $1,000 from a client under her care. (Photo courtesy McLean County Jail)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A private caregiver who stole money from one of her clients at a local retirement community avoids further jail time after agreeing to what’s called second chance probation.

Raelene Fuller, 23, was charged in June with theft for allegedly stealing $1,000 from one of her clients, a 64-year-old woman, at the Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in rural Chenoa. Fuller was not an employee of the retirement community.

Police said the victim was in poor health.

McLean County Assistant State’s Attorney Aaron Hornsby described the theft as a “crime of opportunity.”

Fuller was ordered to serve two years probation, which enables her to have the conviction cleared from her record. She previously served six days in jail and will have to perform 100 hours of public service. She has already paid restitution.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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