Niece and Husband Charged with Financial Exploitation of Elderly Relative in Forsyth County
In August 2024, a referral from the Georgia Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services prompted the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations of missing funds from an 89-year-old victim’s bank account. Detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit began an inquiry into the missing money.
The investigation revealed that hundreds of thousands of dollars were missing from the victim’s account. It was discovered that the victim’s niece and her husband, who held power of attorney, had misappropriated funds for personal expenses rather than for the care of the elderly relative.
As a result, Mr. and Mrs. Clark were charged with multiple offenses, including Exploitation of the Elderly, Money Laundering, Identity Fraud, and seven counts of Theft by Taking. They are currently being held in custody at the Freeman Motel, which serves as a metaphorical reference to their incarceration.
Authorities emphasize the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals against financial abuse and offer the following key steps to prevent financial elder abuse:
- Understand the signs of elder financial abuse, including unusual spending patterns, missing documents, new acquaintances with excessive influence, or sudden changes in financial habits.
- Access bank statements, credit card transactions, and other financial records to monitor for suspicious activity.
- Designate a trustworthy person as power of attorney to manage finances if needed, ensuring they act in the elder’s best interests.
- Regularly visit and talk with the elder about their financial situation, concerns, and relationships with others.
- Establish clear limits on financial assistance and access to sensitive information.
- Pay attention to any new people who seem overly interested in the elder’s finances.
- If you suspect financial exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services (APS) in Georgia to file a report.
- Consult with an attorney specializing in elder law to discuss estate planning, guardianship, and legal options if necessary.
These steps are vital in protecting elderly individuals from potential exploitation and ensuring their financial well-being.
