Florida assisted living director accused of stealing from seniors

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood strongly criticized the now former executive director of a DeBary assisted living facility, Arya at DeBary, who is accused of stealing jewelry from residents, calling the alleged crimes a betrayal of vulnerable older adults.Investigators say 46-year-old Shaun Burstein, executive director of the facility, was arrested Friday and charged after deputies uncovered what they describe as a pattern of theft from older residents.“There is not a place in hell where these scumbags can go to burn,” Chitwood said. “If you are going to go out and victimize our senior community, you have no soul.”Residents said they were stunned to learn Burstein had been booked into jail.“I am surprised. This completely shocked me,” said resident Sandy McLaughlin. “For somebody to do that and somebody in that position to do that.”According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after the family of an 88-year-old resident reported a missing engagement ring. Detectives say surveillance video showed Burstein entering the resident’s room, going directly to a jewelry box and leaving shortly afterward.“This guy just goes in there and takes valuable heirlooms,” Chitwood said. “The money is not the issue — it is the value to the family.”Investigators then reviewed pawn shop records and say Burstein allegedly sold more than 93 pieces of jewelry at local pawn shops between September and December 2025, raising additional concerns that more residents may have been victimized.Deputies are now urging families with loved ones at the facility to check for missing jewelry or valuables and to report anything suspicious.The allegations have left residents questioning their sense of security.“Half the time we do not lock our doors because we feel safe here,” McLaughlin said. “In fact, I did not lock it now. Maybe I should go back and lock it.”The investigation remains ongoing. Only one victim has been identified. If you or a family member believes you may be a victim, contact Detective Patel at ANPatel@volusiasheriff.gov.In a statement, the Arya human resources director, Christine Welch, said:”The safety and well-being of our residents remain our highest priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities, and Mr. Burstein is no longer employed at the community.”

DEBARY, Fla. —

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood strongly criticized the now former executive director of a DeBary assisted living facility, Arya at DeBary, who is accused of stealing jewelry from residents, calling the alleged crimes a betrayal of vulnerable older adults.

Investigators say 46-year-old Shaun Burstein, executive director of the facility, was arrested Friday and charged after deputies uncovered what they describe as a pattern of theft from older residents.

“There is not a place in hell where these scumbags can go to burn,” Chitwood said. “If you are going to go out and victimize our senior community, you have no soul.”

Residents said they were stunned to learn Burstein had been booked into jail.

“I am surprised. This completely shocked me,” said resident Sandy McLaughlin. “For somebody to do that and somebody in that position to do that.”

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after the family of an 88-year-old resident reported a missing engagement ring. Detectives say surveillance video showed Burstein entering the resident’s room, going directly to a jewelry box and leaving shortly afterward.

“This guy just goes in there and takes valuable heirlooms,” Chitwood said. “The money is not the issue — it is the value to the family.”

Investigators then reviewed pawn shop records and say Burstein allegedly sold more than 93 pieces of jewelry at local pawn shops between September and December 2025, raising additional concerns that more residents may have been victimized.

Deputies are now urging families with loved ones at the facility to check for missing jewelry or valuables and to report anything suspicious.

The allegations have left residents questioning their sense of security.

“Half the time we do not lock our doors because we feel safe here,” McLaughlin said. “In fact, I did not lock it now. Maybe I should go back and lock it.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Only one victim has been identified. If you or a family member believes you may be a victim, contact Detective Patel at ANPatel@volusiasheriff.gov.

In a statement, the Arya human resources director, Christine Welch, said:

“The safety and well-being of our residents remain our highest priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities, and Mr. Burstein is no longer employed at the community.”