Iowa Nursing Home Administrator Accused of Stealing from Dementia Patient

Chelsi Ingles faces charges of theft, abuse, and tampering with records after allegedly stealing thousands from an elderly resident

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Chelsi Ingles, a 34-year-old nursing home administrator in Iowa, has been criminally charged with stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly resident diagnosed with schizophrenia, dementia, and epilepsy. Prosecutors allege Ingles cashed the resident's checks, deposited the money into her own account, and provided false documentation to her employer. Ingles has agreed to refrain from practicing as a nursing home administrator while the investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly and dementia patients in long-term care facilities, and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent financial exploitation. It also raises concerns about the lack of reporting by Ingles' former employer, Aspire of Muscatine, which failed to notify authorities about the suspected theft as required by law.

The details

Prosecutors allege that in December 2023, while working as the administrator at Aspire of Muscatine nursing home, Ingles stole two checks belonging to a female resident and cashed one for $8,500, depositing $3,500 into the resident's trust account. A week later, Ingles allegedly used the second check to deposit $8,500 into a bank account she had set up for herself and the resident, then transferred the full amount to a separate account she shared with her husband. When Aspire asked Ingles to return the resident's money, she only provided $3,202 in cash and questionable documentation suggesting the rest was used for the resident's expenses.

  • In December 2023, Ingles allegedly stole two checks from a resident and cashed one for $8,500.
  • A week later in December 2023, Ingles allegedly deposited the second check for $8,500 into an account she shared with the resident, then transferred the full amount to her own joint account with her husband.
  • In January 2024, during an internal investigation, Aspire asked Ingles to return the resident's money, and she provided only $3,202 in cash along with questionable documentation.

The players

Chelsi Ingles

A 34-year-old nursing home administrator in Iowa who has been criminally charged with stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly resident diagnosed with schizophrenia, dementia, and epilepsy.

Aspire of Muscatine

The nursing home where Ingles worked as an administrator and where the alleged theft occurred. Aspire failed to notify authorities about the suspected theft as required by law.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.