Lynn Marie Keller, 69, has been found guilty as charged of seven counts of Exploiting Elderly/Disabled Person and two counts of Grand Theft from a Person 65 Years or Older. The jury returned the guilty verdict Friday, following a five-day jury trial in Naples.
Assistant State Attorney Jessica Horowitz prosecuted the case.
On November 30, 2019, the victims’ son contacted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in reference to grand theft of $20,000 in jewelry and a car. The defendant, a friend and neighbor of the victims, was the suspect. The victims were an elderly woman who was under crisis care by hospice and her husband, who was now living in a skilled nursing facility. The defendant was abusing their relationship for financial gain.
Further investigation revealed transactions made by the defendant utilizing a Power of Attorney of the female victim and the victims joint bank accounts.
The female victim died. The defendant then took many items from the house and fled the area. She also instructed a friend of the victim, not to tell the son that his mother died.
Deputies made contact with the defendant who admitted having possession of the jewelry, as well as the couple’s checkbooks, debit cards, and credit cards. She also admitted having the 2019 Kia Sorrento. The defendant transferred the car into her own name the day before the female victim died and without the male victim’s permission. The defendant told deputies she was in the Florida Keys but would return with the items. The vehicle was never returned.
A warrant was issued for her arrest. She was arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and extradited to Collier County.
A status conference is set for December 16, 2024, at which time a sentencing date will be scheduled.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director
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