BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A worker at the Spring Creek Retirement Community in Bellingham was charged with unprofessional conduct after making purchases on a resident’s bank account.

The Home Care Aide Program alleged that Mervyn Fortune made about $6,000 in charges to a resident under his care in August 2022.

The resident’s brother found several charges to his bank statement including car washes, fast food, movie tickets and a car repair.

A healthcare investigator sent a letter to Fortune asking for an explanation but received no response.

The Washington State Department of Health says Fortune will be subject to discipline and sanctions if he continues to ignore the charges.