Local couple bilked out of $66,000

Krystal Shalanda Daniels

A woman accused of bilking an elderly Bulloch County couple out of thousands of dollars told the victims she expected a windfall from pending lawsuits, but needed loans until her money came, said Bulloch County sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jared Akins.

Krystal Shalanda Daniels, 27, of Eagle Village, faces charges of felony theft by deception and abuse/neglect/exploitation of an elderly person, he said. She is held without bond in the Bulloch County Jail pending upcoming court appearances.

“The elderly Bulloch County couple residing on Highway 80 West in Statesboro recently reported the theft of over $66,000 over a two year period,” he said. “Investigator Walter Deal was assigned to the case and learned that the couple knew the suspect … through an individual who had performed work for the (victims).”

Daniels led the couple to believe that she had money coming through “lawsuits, estate settlements, and other means but that she needed to borrow funds until these ‘windfalls’ could come through,” Akins said. ”These lies compounded along with the money involved until the couple reported the theft.”

Deal questioned Daniels and then took her into custody. The case joins an alarming number of incidents where elderly or disabled are targeted, he said.

“This case illustrates a prime means by which scammers operate, taking advantage of the good intentions of innocent citizens. The Bible says ‘but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks,’” he said.

 Every week however, sheriff's investigators “work cases where solid citizens lose money and other valuables to individuals willing to take advantage of their charitable intentions,” he said. “Our elder members in particular are targeted frequently for exploitation. In this Christmas season, we ask that you remain alert to scams involving donations and deals which are too good to be true.”

Akins advised being vigilant when using credit and debit card to shop online and report any strange activity immediately. “If you have an elderly parent or relative who you believe is being exploited, work with other family members and law enforcement to protect their interests.”

Anyone who suspects an elderly or disabled person is being abused or exploited should contact their local law enforcement agency. The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office may be located at (9120 764-8888. Anonymous tips may also be made online at www.bullochsheriff.com.

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Local couple bilked out of $66,000