Elder Exploitation Case Moves Forward as Defendants Plead Not Guilty

DECORAH — Two Decorah residents charged last fall in connection with the alleged financial exploitation of an elderly individual have both entered pleas of not guilty.

Court records show Christina Gray, 60, and Duane Herman, 55, each filed written arraignments and pleas of not guilty on Dec. 1 to multiple Class B felony charges, including first-degree theft against an older individual, ongoing criminal conduct and financial exploitation of an older individual. Both defendants waived their right to a speedy trial.

According to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Gray and Herman were arrested Oct. 7 following an investigation into the alleged exploitation of an 85-year-old resident of Aase Haugen nursing home in Decorah. Deputies arrested the pair at a residence on Ridge Road, and both were booked into the Winneshiek County Jail.

The criminal complaint alleges that authorities began investigating possible financial exploitation on May 15, 2024. The victim, who has dementia, was under Gray’s care from August 2021 to May 2023.

Investigators say Gray and a family friend helped the victim open a checking account funded by the sale of Wisconsin property totaling $107,761.36. Despite nearly $99,436 in care costs at Aase Haugen over the following year, the facility received only one payment of $4,842.

The complaint alleges Gray, who had no personal bank account or employment, accessed the victim’s account without authorization, using over $79,000 for personal expenses. Deputies also allege checks were written to others, who cashed them and returned the money to Gray.

Christina Gray’s trial is scheduled for March 11, 2026, while Duane Herman’s trial is scheduled for February 11, 2026. 

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Elder Exploitation Case Moves Forward as Defendants Plead Not Guilty