Volusia County authorities allege that 45-year-old Shaun Burstein, former executive director of the Arya senior living community in DeBary, stole jewelry from residents and sold the items at pawn shops. Investigators say video footage, pawn records and a fingerprint tied him to the sales, and records indicate more than 93 pieces were sold between Sept. 23 and Dec. 30. Burstein surrendered on Jan. 9 and faces charges including grand theft and dealing in stolen property; the investigation is ongoing and possible victims are urged to contact Detective Patel.
Florida Senior-Living Executive Accused Of Stealing Residents’ Jewelry, Sold Items At Pawn Shops
Volusia Sheriff's OfficeShaun Burstein
Volusia County authorities say a former senior-living executive has been accused of stealing jewelry from residents and selling the items at local pawn shops.
Who: Shaun Burstein, 45, who served as executive director of the Arya senior living community in DeBary.
Allegations: Deputies say Burstein removed jewelry from residents’ rooms, including an engagement ring, and sold multiple pieces at area pawn shops. Investigators reviewed security footage that allegedly shows Burstein entering an unoccupied resident room, approaching a jewelry box and leaving with the item. In a separate clip, he is seen attempting to open a jewelry box before noticing a camera and leaving.
Evidence: Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s office reported that pawn-shop records and a fingerprint linked Burstein to the sale of the engagement ring. During an interview with deputies, he allegedly admitted to stealing jewelry from several residents. Police say records show he sold more than 93 pieces of jewelry between Sept. 23 and Dec. 30 of last year.
Volusia Sheriff's OfficeShaun Burstein
Charges, Response and Ongoing Investigation
Burstein surrendered to authorities on Jan. 9 and faces charges that include grand theft (between $750 and $5,000) and dealing in stolen property, according to court records. Arya’s human resources director, Christine Welch, told local reporters that Burstein is no longer employed at the community and that the facility is cooperating with law enforcement.
“The money is not the issue — it is the value to the family,” Sheriff Chitwood said. “If you are going to go out and victimize our senior community, you have no soul.”
Chitwood also publicly labeled Burstein the “scumbag of the week” in a social media post as the investigation continues. At present, only one victim has been formally identified.
What Residents and Families Should Know
Local residents told reporters they had previously felt safe enough to leave doors unlocked and were shaken by the allegations. Anyone who believes they or a family member may be a victim is urged to contact Detective Patel at ANPatel@volusiasheriff.gov. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its probe.
Reporting note: The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and local outlets provided details; PEOPLE reported on the case.
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