Missouri woman accused of exploiting elderly person out of nearly $22K

by: Nikki Nguyen 

WARRENTON, Mo. – A Warren County woman faces felony charges after investigators say she exploited an elderly person out of tens of thousands of dollars while serving as the victim’s power of attorney.

Special investigators with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services allege that Johnnie M. Barry used the victim’s funds for her own personal benefit between July 2022 and August 2025.

According to a probable cause statement, Barry deposited 25 unauthorized checks from the victim’s bank accounts into her personal Chase Bank account, totaling $4,726. Investigators said she used an additional $17,211.18 from the victim’s accounts to pay her own expenses, bringing the total alleged loss to $21,937.18.

In addition, Barry failed to pay the victim’s mortgage, credit card bills, and homeowners’ association dues, placing the victim at risk of foreclosure, investigators said. She’s also accused of submitting mortgage modification documents in March 2026 after her power of attorney had been revoked and signed documents on the victim’s behalf without authorization.

The victim told investigators they did not sign the checks and could not do so following multiple strokes.

The Warren County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Barry with financial exploitation of an elderly/disabled person and forgery. Barry remains jailed without bond. She has a confined docket hearing scheduled for Tuesday, June 2. 

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Missouri woman accused of exploiting elderly person out of nearly $22K