A Kentucky state representative is sponsoring legislation that would strengthen protections for older adults against financial abuse, increasing penalties for those who exploit senior citizens.
State Rep. Matt Lockett of Nicholasville is behind House Bill 794, which prioritizes protection for Kentuckians — especially older adults — from financial exploitation.
Roswell police say a search for a missing elderly man ended with an
unlicensed personal care home shut down and its operator arrested.
Investigators
say 58-year-old Deborah Callaway is now facing two counts of elder
exploitation, two counts of elder trafficking, financial transaction
card fraud, theft by taking, and third-degree forgery.
According
to officials, the investigation began in January after a man was
reported missing from a home on the 1000 block of Worthington Hills
Drive. The man was found safe at an Atlanta shelter, and police say they
learned in the process that Callaway was using the address as a senior
care home, which she was not licensed to do.
Authorities say that
10 adults lived in the home with Callaway, many of whom slept in
converted living rooms, dining rooms, and a backyard shed.
"Beyond
the living conditions, evidence also revealed that Callaway was
exploiting the resident's financial resources for her own personal
gain," the police department said in a statement.
Authorities say that 10
elderly adults lived in the home with Callaway, many of whom slept in
converted living rooms, dining rooms, and a backyard shed.
Roswell Police Department
On March 11, the Roswell Police Department executed a search
warrant at the home and arrested Calloway. Officials say the residents
received medical evaluations and were moved to safe housing.
"What
began as a routine missing person call evolved into a major protective
operation, fundamentally improving the lives of ten vulnerable adults
because our officers refused to ignore the red flags they saw on scene,"
said Chief of Police James Conroy. "This case is a powerful reminder
that public safety is a team effort. We are incredibly grateful to our
partner agencies for helping us ensure these seniors are now in a safe
environment where they can receive the care they deserve."
Investigators
are asking anyone with information that could help with the case to
call the Roswell Police Department at (770) 640-4100 or Crime Stoppers
Atlanta at (404) 577-8477.