A Sangamon County grand jury has indicted six people in unrelated cases on charges that they financially exploited elderly people.
*Robert T. Ford, who allegedly siphoned off more than $100,000 from an 83-year-old relative from 2004 to 2008. The victim has Alzheimer’s disease, prosecutors said. Ford, who is charged with three Class 1 felony counts of financial exploitation, each punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison, has a $100,000 bond.
*Shelly Cassens, who is charged with one count of financial exploitation of the elderly. She was a caretaker for a 62-year-old and allegedly took less than $300. Her bond was set at $1,000.
*Karon List, who is charged with five counts of financial exploitation, all involving the alleged theft of food stamps from five residents of Bethesda Lutheran Home in Springfield. Her bond also is $1,000.
*Latanya Mitchell, who allegedly stole and cashed checks belonging to a 90-year-old for whom she was a caretaker. She is charged with a Class 3 felony and has a bond of $1,000.
*Mary L. Hamilton, who faces two counts each of theft by deception and unlawful use of a credit card and one count of financial exploitation of the elderly. She allegedly stole checks belonging to a 72-year-old and an 88-year-old while she was their caretaker. Hamilton’s bond is $3,000.
*Laura A. Constant, who allegedly took more than $10,000 from two people for whom she was caring. The victims were 86 and 94 years of age, respectively. Constant’s bond is $10,000.
First assistant state’s attorney John Milhiser: "We’ll continue to aggressively prosecute those who prey on the elderly.”
Source:
Six accused of financially exploiting elderly
*Robert T. Ford, who allegedly siphoned off more than $100,000 from an 83-year-old relative from 2004 to 2008. The victim has Alzheimer’s disease, prosecutors said. Ford, who is charged with three Class 1 felony counts of financial exploitation, each punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison, has a $100,000 bond.
*Shelly Cassens, who is charged with one count of financial exploitation of the elderly. She was a caretaker for a 62-year-old and allegedly took less than $300. Her bond was set at $1,000.
*Karon List, who is charged with five counts of financial exploitation, all involving the alleged theft of food stamps from five residents of Bethesda Lutheran Home in Springfield. Her bond also is $1,000.
*Latanya Mitchell, who allegedly stole and cashed checks belonging to a 90-year-old for whom she was a caretaker. She is charged with a Class 3 felony and has a bond of $1,000.
*Mary L. Hamilton, who faces two counts each of theft by deception and unlawful use of a credit card and one count of financial exploitation of the elderly. She allegedly stole checks belonging to a 72-year-old and an 88-year-old while she was their caretaker. Hamilton’s bond is $3,000.
*Laura A. Constant, who allegedly took more than $10,000 from two people for whom she was caring. The victims were 86 and 94 years of age, respectively. Constant’s bond is $10,000.
First assistant state’s attorney John Milhiser: "We’ll continue to aggressively prosecute those who prey on the elderly.”
Source:
Six accused of financially exploiting elderly
Thank you to assistant state’s attorney John Milhiser for aggressively pursuing those who take advantage of the elderly and the vulnerable members of our society.
ReplyDeleteAs a taxpayer, I say keep on them - prosecute to the fullest extent of the law - no mercy, whatsoever, none.
Build more prisons if necessary, whatever it takes to send a message to the abusers and predators - "don't even think about it!"
This is good news, of course, but it would be better if the list contained abusive guardians and attorneys.
ReplyDelete