by John Hacker
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Two Carthage residents face criminal charges related to stealing from an elderly Carthage resident over a period of about three years.
Wendy Beth Harris, 46, and Casey Harris, 49, both of Carthage, were charged Tuesday with one felony count each of financial exploitation of an elder and stealing. Wendy Harris was also charged with fraudulent use of a credit or debit device.
A probable-cause statement filed Tuesday by Carthage Detective Trent McMain said the victim, who was more than 70 years old, had more than $270,000 taken from her checking and savings in the form of checks written to Wendy Harris, Casey Harris and a company named Harris Renovations.
Police say Harris Renovations is a company the two own and founded in 2016.
The company’s website, https://harrisrenovations llc.com/about-harris- renovations, says Casey and Wendy Harris are husband and wife.
The thefts are alleged to have happened between Jan. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2025. Police were called about the reported stealing and financial exploitation of an elderly person Dec. 31, 2024.
The statement says Wendy Harris opened a Lowe’s credit card and purchased more than $90,000 worth of construction material under the name of the victim.
According to the statement, Wendy Harris and her company used the items purchased from Lowe’s to complete construction and renovation jobs for other paying clients.
Police say detectives asked to speak with Wendy Harris and Casey Harris and that they declined.
The charges filed by the Jasper County prosecutor’s office say Casey Harris and Wendy Harris worked together to use “undue influence over (the victim) via the improper or fraudulent use of power of attorney and thereby knowingly obtained control and appropriated money from the bank accounts which were the property of (the victim).”
Warrants for the arrests of Wendy Harris and Casey Harris were issued Thursday.
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Carthage couple charged with stealing from elderly
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