Man jailed for stealing $16k of mother’s money for ‘hotels and alcohol’

by: Sorina Trauntvein

This report contains mentions of abuse of a vulnerable older adult. If you or a loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse, contact Utah’s hotline to report abuse/neglect of seniors or adults with disabilities at 800-371-7879.

GRANTSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — A Grantsville man is behind bars after he allegedly spent more than $16,000 of his elderly mother’s money on hotels and alcohol, leaving her unable to afford necessities.

47-year-old Joshua Duane Dean was charged with financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and theft valued at more than $5,000, both second-degree felonies.

According to court documents, the Grantsville Police Department was contacted on Sept. 27 by the president of a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grantsville. He reported that an elderly resident had asked the Church for help with paying bills and buying food.

The Relief Society President was helping the woman go over her finances to determine how much funding she would need, and found that a large portion of her money was being spent by her son on “hotels and alcohol.”

This was leaving the victim with only $700 to pay her rent and little or nothing for food and other necessities.

In speaking with police, the woman explained that her son uses her debit card with permission, but not for “spending of that amount or frequency.” The victim provided bank statements for September 2025 through March 2026. 

A Grantsville Police officer made contact with Dean and found he was “gathering his belongings to leave.” He said he overheard the conversation and stated, “I am a piece of sh—,” before admitting to using his mother’s card.

Across the seven bank statements, Grantsville Police found that more than $1,000 was being spent on hotel stays every month, and sometimes over $3,000 in a single month.

• September 2025 — $1,708 on 10 hotel stays
• October 2025 — $1,255 on 15 hotel stays
• November 2025 — $1,914 on 19 hotel stays
• December 2025 — $2,014 on 21 hotel stays
• January 2026 — $2,765 on 15 hotel stays
• February 2026 — $3,098 on 11 hotel stays
• March 2026 — $3,298 on 16 hotel stays

In total, Dean allegedly spent more than $16,000 on 96 hotel stays using his mother’s money.

Police say additional months of financial records have not yet been reviewed, and they could possibly show more theft.

The victim is over the age of 65 and requires assistance with doctor visits, grocery shopping, and managing her finances. Documents say her son used his position of trust to use her funds for personal benefit and leave her unable to buy food and other necessities.

While being transported to the Tooele County Jail, Dean allegedly said he “did not realize it had gotten that bad.” He is being held without bail.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

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Man jailed for stealing $16k of mother’s money for ‘hotels and alcohol’