Man sues in-home health care service over theft of father's guns

FAYETTEVILLE - Charles Howard, as durable power of attorney for Thomas William Howard, filed suit in the Fayette County Circuit Court on Nov. 18, naming Elder Aide Services LLC, doing business as Right At Home, and Sean Devereaux as the defendants.

According to Howard, in early 2011 he hired Right At Home to provide at-home care to his elderly father. Right At Home allegedly assigned Sean Devereaux to take care of Charles Howard in his home.

Allegedly, shortly after Devereaux began work at the Howard household, another home worker noticed that Devereaux was inattentive and often went into parts of the house which were unnecessary for Charles Howard's care.

Right At Home allegedly expressed concern and said it would look into it. In September 2012, Howard says he was in his father's home when he noticed his dad's gun cabinet had been cleaned out and other items were missing.

Howard claims he called the police, who in turn investigated the theft and found some of Charles Howard's guns at a pawn shop. The police purportedly found out that the items were pawned by Devereaux and arrested him.

Howard is now suing Right At Home for providing an inadequate home caretaker, despite being warned of his odd behavior. Specifically, Howard is suing for negligent hiring, negligent supervision and breach of contract. Howard seeks to hold Right At Home vicariously liable for the theft's and conversions of property carried out by Devereaux.

Howard is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages. He is being represented by attorney Terry B. Tignor of Robinette Legal Group.

Circuit Court of Fayette County Case No. 13-C-300