Sheriff’s Office dubs Senior-Living Director ‘Scumbag of the Week’ in shocking jewelry theft case

In a case that has rattled families and raised serious questions about trust and elder-care safety, Florida’s Volusia Sheriff’s Office has publicly labeled a former senior living facility director its “Scumbag of the Week” after accusing him of systematically stealing jewelry from elderly residents and selling his ill-gotten gain at pawn shops across the region.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood took to social media on January 9 to announce that 45-year-old Shaun Burstein, once the executive director of the Arya Senior Living Facility in DeBary, had turned himself in to authorities and now faces multiple charges including grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

I know we already named a Scumbag of the Week a couple days ago, but it would be a travesty not to bestow the honor upon another amazing nominee, SHAUN BURSTEIN.

Burstein, as the executive director of the Arya senior living facility in DeBary, has been stealing jewelry from residents and selling it at pawn shops.  ~ sheriffchitwood, Instagram

According to investigators, deputies were first alerted late last year when a resident reported that her engagement ring had vanished from her bedroom. Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives showed Burstein entering residents’ private spaces — often when rooms were unoccupied — and lingering near jewelry boxes before leaving.

Further investigation revealed that Burstein pawned more than 90 pieces of jewelry — including rings, necklaces, and heirlooms — between September 23 and December 30, 2025, based on pawn shop records and fingerprint evidence. Those records also helped law enforcement recover at least one stolen engagement ring, which was positively identified and placed on hold by pawn personnel.

“This guy just goes in there and takes valuable heirlooms,” Sheriff Chitwood said in an interview with local media, underscoring that the emotional and sentimental value of the stolen items far outweighs their monetary worth.

“If you are going to go out and victimize our senior community, you have no soul.”   ~ WESH

The sheriff’s public admonishment has struck a chord in the tightly knit DeBary community, where residents previously enjoyed a sense of safety and comfort at the senior living facility. “Half the time, we do not lock our doors because we feel safe here,” one resident told reporters, expressing dismay and betrayal.

Arya’s management has stated that Burstein is no longer employed at the facility and is cooperating with authorities. The ongoing investigation may uncover additional victims, and officials are urging anyone who suspects they may have been targeted to contact law enforcement.

~

(Additional sources: People, Yahoo News)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram