Edited by: TJVNews.com

A home health aide in the Upper East Side of Manhattan is facing allegations of mismanaging the estate of her longtime patient, a wealthy insurance executive, as was reported in the New York Post.  The New York State Attorney General’s office has accused the aide, Janina Lewandowska, of mishandling the funds that were intended for the patient’s disabled niece, Meryn Klabouch, who requires substantial financial assistance due to her debilitating multiple sclerosis. The Post also reported that the case has raised serious concerns about the protection of vulnerable individuals and the proper management of their assets.

Dolores Morrissey, the former CEO of Mutual of America Insurance Company, appointed Janina Lewandowska as the executor of her estate before her death in 2016 at the age of 88, the Post reported. Morrissey had intended to leave $1 million to her niece, Meryn Klabouch, who suffers from severe multiple sclerosis. The Post also reported that court papers revealed that Klabouch requires expensive monthly treatments, costing between $20,000 and $30,000, to sustain her life. However, Lewandowska allegedly failed to distribute the funds as intended, leaving Klabouch in a dire financial situation.

The state attorney general’s office has accused Lewandowska of failing to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of Morrissey’s assets and alleged that she prioritized her own interests over those of the estate’s beneficiaries, as was reported by the Post.  According to court documents, Lewandowska engaged in self-dealing and depleted Morrissey’s funds over a period of seven years. The attorney general highlighted numerous questionable expenses, such as unlabeled reimbursements totaling over $21,000, travel expenses, insurance bills, legal fees, and other expenditures deemed excessive and unnecessary, according to the Post report.  The attorney general has raised concerns about the lack of sufficient explanations for these expenses.

Meryn Klabouch, struggling financially due to the alleged mismanagement of her inheritance, has taken legal action against Lewandowska’s handling of the estate. The Post reported that the case is scheduled to be heard later this month in the Manhattan Surrogate Court. Meanwhile, Lewandowska’s attorney, Robert Sikorski, maintains that the allegations against his client are unsupported and lack any disclosed or alleged proof.

The case of Janina Lewandowska and the misappropriation of funds from Dolores Morrissey’s estate raises important questions about the responsibility of caretakers and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The alleged mishandling of a substantial inheritance intended for a disabled niece underscores the need for vigilance in selecting and monitoring individuals entrusted with managing the assets and well-being of those unable to do so themselves. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential that justice is served, and appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the interests and welfare of individuals who rely on the integrity of others.