Rumford woman accused of abusing, financially exploiting elderly family member, police say

Story by WMTW

RUMFORD, Maine (WMTW) - A Maine woman is facing multiple charges in connection with allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation involving a family member, according to authorities.

Sharon Gardner, 59, of Rumford, was arrested Tuesday amid an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Rumford Police Department.

Police said Gardner served as the primary caretaker for an elderly family member and over the course of two weeks, they conducted an investigation with the help of Maine Adult Protective Services, the victim’s financial institution and Rumford Hospital.

According to police, the investigation revealed Gardner diverted more than $1,000 from the elderly family member for her personal benefit.

Gardner also used her family member’s debit card multiple times without authorization, including while the family member was hospitalized, police said.

Police also said Gardner restricted the family member’s access to outside contact, including limiting cellphone use and communication with others.

The Rumford Police Department said Gardner was arrested before the investigation was fully completed due to concerns for the family member’s welfare and the apparent scope of the exploitation.

Gardner has been charged with endangering the welfare of a dependent person and theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, which are both Class C felonies, as well as a Class D misdemeanor of misuse of identification.

Police said Gardner was held at the Oxford County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. She has since been arraigned and released pending trial, with a court order prohibiting further contact with the family member.

The investigation remains active and police said additional charges against Gardner and other potential co-conspirators are possible as investigators continue to uncover further evidence of exploitation and theft.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of such crimes, or who suspects someone they know may be, is asked to call the Rumford Police Department at 207-364-4551 or Maine Adult Protective Services at 1-800-624-8404.

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Rumford woman accused of abusing, financially exploiting elderly family member, police say