Elder abuse, exploitation charges put two behind bars; 73-year-old woman left penniless, homeless

Sheri and Hezekiah Stallings

Two people have been arrested and charged with elder abuse and exploitation of the elderly for their involvement in a situation that has left a 73-year-old woman in Coweta both penniless and homeless.

Sheri Stallings, 49, and her husband Hezekiah Stallings, 27, were acting as caregivers for Sherri's mother, Henrietta Swarthout, who has been diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer's.

In February, Wagoner County Sheriff's Deputies were called in to assist Adult Protective Services who had found Swarthout in a home with very little furniture, including no bed, and with little to no food. Swarthout was removed from the home and placed in APS custody.

APS investigated and turned their findings over to WCSO investigators for further review. During their investigation, they found evidence that suggested Sheri Stallings took control of her mother's checking account and retirement accounts. She also took control of proceeds for the sale of Swarthout's home in Tulsa.

Sergeant Jeff Halfacre reports evidence also showed that Stallings used Swarthout's money as a personal slush fund that included the purchase of two 10-acre properties in Wagoner County without the elderly woman's knowledge or permission.

Investigators believe that the Stallings' stole what appears to be approximately $283,000 from Swarthout.

"I am appalled at the blatant evidence my investigators have uncovered in this case," said Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott. "True evil preys on the elderly and children. It's bad enough with all the scammers in the world, but it's unfathomable when your own children, fueled by greed and cloaked as a 'caregiver', can do this to their own defenseless mother."

"Of course everyone has the presumption of innocence and will have their day in court, but I'm confident the evidence will speak for itself in this case," the sheriff added. "My agency is committed to speaking and seeking justice for the defenseless amongst us."

Sheri and Hezekiah Stallings were both taken into custody without incident. They are being held at the Wagoner County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond.

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Elder abuse, exploitation charges put two behind bars; 73-year-old woman left penniless, homeless