Dozens of patients told employee stole Social Security money

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Dozens of patients at adult group homes in Rhode Island have been told they probably had money siphoned from their Social Security accounts by a former employee. 

A spokeswoman for Lifespan, which bought out Gateway Healthcare, tells WPRI-TV that 40 group home patients received the letter, which says a former employee may have taken a Social Security benefits for her own personal use. 

It states the company offered to pay the patients an amount they determined was stolen. The company said accepting the money would serve as a final settlement. Patients were given a deadline of July 10 to make a decision. 

No one has been charged by federal or state authorities. 

A request to interview someone from Lifespan or Gateway Healthcare was declined.