Putnam County caregiver accused of elder neglect, financial exploitation

by: Pat O’Donnell 

PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Putnam County caretaker has been arrested for the alleged neglect and financial exploitation of his grandfather.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon McBroom was arrested on Tuesday, June 30. He is charged with aggravated neglect of an elderly adult, theft of property and financial exploitation of an elderly adult.

Adult Protective Services contacted the PCSO on April 13 regarding the alleged neglect and financial exploitation of McBroom’s 84-year-old grandfather, officials said.

APS and Putnam County Detective Garrett responded to the 84-year-old man’s home where they found he had been “living in extremely poor conditions,” the PCSO said.

The PCSO’s investigation revealed the 84-year-old had not been bathed in weeks, was experiencing shortness of breath and could not answer basic questions. Investigators found nonfunctioning bathrooms, caved-in flooring, trash and dirt covering surfaces and a small amount of food in the home.

EMS transported the 84-year-old for medical treatment due to his condition, officials said.

According to the PCSO, the man suffered from severe malnutrition, leading to more medical complications.

“Investigators determined the victim’s nutritional needs had not been adequately met by his caregiver,” the PCSO said in a release.

The PCSO’s investigation also revealed the 84-year-old had been financially exploited. Between January and March, the man overdrew his bank account multiple times and never received checks mailed to his home.

According to the PCSO, a review of bank records showed McBroom had transferred about $4,460.50 from his grandfather’s account into his own bank account on 30 separate transactions. 

“Investigators also determined that two of the victim’s checks had been deposited into McBroom’s personal account,” the PCSO said.

McBroom was arrested Tuesday and is being held on a $143,000 bond. He will appear in court on Aug. 10.

“Our elderly citizens deserve dignity, compassion, and protection. I appreciate the work of Detective Garrett and Adult Protective Services for ensuring this victim is now safe and receiving the care he deserves,” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said. “If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, I encourage you to report it immediately.” 

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Putnam County caregiver accused of elder neglect, financial exploitation