At a Glance
- Shaun Burstein, 45, sold 93+ pieces of jewelry stolen from seniors between Sept. 23-Dec. 30
- Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood publicly branded him “scumbag of the week” on Jan. 9
- Burstein turned himself in the same day and faces grand-theft and stolen-property charges
- Why it matters: The thefts shattered trust at a facility where residents rarely locked doors
A former senior-living executive director is accused of systematically stealing jewelry from elderly residents and pawning their heirlooms, prompting the sheriff to label him the “scumbag of the week.”
Inside the Alleged Thefts
Volusia County deputies began investigating after a resident reported her engagement ring missing from her bedroom at Arya, a DeBary senior facility. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Burstein entering the unoccupied room, moving toward the jewelry box, and leaving shortly afterward.
A second clip reportedly shows Burstein attempting to open another resident’s jewelry box before noticing the camera and walking away.
Investigators pulled pawn-shop records that revealed Burstein had sold more than 93 pieces of jewelry between Sept. 23 and Dec. 30. Among the items positively identified: the stolen engagement ring. A fingerprint on pawn documentation matched Burstein, according to the sheriff.
Sheriff’s Fury
Sheriff Chitwood vented on Instagram and to local outlet WESH:
- “This guy just goes in there and takes valuable heirlooms. The money is not the issue – it is the value to the family.”
- “There is not a place in hell where these scumbags can go to burn.”
- “If you are going to go out and victimize our senior community, you have no soul.”
He encouraged anyone who believes a relative may have been victimized to contact Detective Patel at [email protected].
Residents React
Longtime residents told WESH the allegations rattled their sense of security.
- “Half the time, we do not lock our doors because we feel safe here,” resident Sandy McLaughlin said. “In fact, I did not lock it now. Maybe I should go back and lock it.”
Employment Status
Arya’s human-resources director, Christine Welch, confirmed Burstein is no longer employed at the facility.
“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,” Welch told WESH.
News Of Losangeles did not receive an immediate response from Arya for additional comment.
Charges and Timeline
Burstein turned himself in to authorities on Friday, Jan. 9, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office said. Court records show he faces:
- Grand theft between $750 and $5,000
- Dealing in stolen property
Only one victim has been formally identified so far; the investigation remains active.
Key Takeaways
- The thefts spanned roughly three months late last year
- Pawn-shop records provided the critical link between missing jewelry and Burstein’s sales
- Law enforcement is urging other potential victims to come forward quickly
