The executive director of Arya at DeBary turned himself in to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Friday, Jan. 9, after he was accused of stealing jewelry from a resident of the senior living facility, the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook.
The sheriff’s office said Shaun Burstein, 45, of Sanford, was wanted on two charges of dealing in stolen property and theft from a person 65 years of age or older. An investigation is underway to locate additional victims.
Authorities believe that Burstein took jewelry from residents of Arya at DeBary and sold the items to pawn shops, according to the sheriff’s office.
Burstein was booked into the Volusia County jail on $10,000 bond, $5,000 per charge, and was released later that day, according to jail records.
Arya at DeBary executive director says he stole nearly 100 pieces of jewelry
The investigation began after an engagement ring went missing from a resident’s bedroom.
“Video surveillance showed Executive Director Shaun Burstein entering the unoccupied room, going to the area of the jewelry box, and leaving shortly afterward,” according to the sheriff’s office. “Additional footage captured a separate incident in which Burstein attempted to open the jewelry box before noticing the camera and leaving.”
Burstein admitted stealing jewelry from multiple residents and selling it at pawn shops, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities found evidence that he sold over 93 pieces of jewelry from Sept. 23, 2025, to Dec. 30, 2025.
The sheriff’s office only identified one victim as of Friday, Jan. 9.
Anyone who believes they or a family member could be a victim are encouraged to contact Detective Patel at ANPatel@volusiasheriff.gov.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Head of DeBary living facility turns himself in on theft charges
Reporting by Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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