In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the Pittsburgh community, Veerasammy Perumal, the owner of Annalisa’s “A Touch of Home” in Fayette County, stands accused of a grievous betrayal of trust. Allegations have surfaced that Perumal stole a staggering sum of more than $700,000 from the very individuals he was entrusted to care for and protect.
The Spark That Lit the Fuse
This distressing saga began to unfold in 2022, following a complaint from a resident regarding the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. This program, designed to aid lower-income senior citizens, allows care facilities to retain up to half of the maximum annual rebate of $650. However, the resident in question raised alarms upon not receiving their rightfully owed funds.
Unraveling a Web of Deception
As authorities delved into the complaint, they uncovered a pattern of financial exploitation affecting multiple residents. Perumal, who acted as a “representative payee” for several residents unable to manage their own finances, was found to be misappropriating funds on a grand scale.
Investigations revealed troubling evidence of transactions involving the accounts of deceased residents, a stark indication of the lengths Perumal allegedly went to in order to conceal his actions. One resident, who passed away in 2019, was linked to 54 transactions totaling $76,600. Another, who died in 2022, saw 102 transactions amounting to $186,250. Most shockingly, an individual who died in 2021 was connected to 325 transactions that totaled an astonishing $455,094.
A Confession Under Pressure
According to court documents, Perumal eventually confessed to orchestrating these transactions as a means to hide funds from the IRS, amidst an audit of the care home. This admission has led to Perumal facing multiple felony charges, including forgery and identity theft, casting a shadow over his reputation and the facility he operated.
A Community Shaken
The allegations against Perumal have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting a grave breach of trust that has left many reeling. The residents of Annalisa’s “A Touch of Home,” who sought safety, care, and respect in their twilight years, instead found themselves victims of financial exploitation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our elderly population and the paramount importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in the care they receive.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many are left pondering the broader implications of this case for personal care homes across the region and beyond. It underscores the critical need for stringent oversight and robust safeguards to protect the rights and well-being of senior citizens, ensuring that their golden years are marked by dignity and security, not exploitation and betrayal.
