Pair face theft charge; power of attorney allegedly used in fraud
Posted By TREVOR TERFLOTH
The Chatham Daily News
A Tilbury couple accused of defrauding a Riverview Gardens resident out of approximately $110,000 will be in court later this month.
Officials with the Chatham nursing home contacted the Chatham-Kent Police Service last March citing concerns over the misuse of power-of-attorney.
It is alleged the money had been misappropriated from the victim's community bank account by the couple, who are in their 50s.
The names of the accused - who were arrested Dec. 20 - weren't released. Neither was their relationship to the victim.
Police say the couple held the power-of-attorney designation for the past several years.
The accused face charges of theft by person with power-of-attorney and criminal breach of trust. They will appear in court Jan. 16 to speak to the charges
Det. Jim Niven, of the criminal investigation branch, was on the case. However, he couldn't be reached for comment Sunday and no further information was available.
Colleen Wilson, Chatham-Kent's director of seniors services, also couldn't be reached.
A media release issued by Deputy Chief Dennis Poole stated that elder abuse of all forms - be it physical, emotional or financial - is a growing concern to police and the long-term care community.
As they often care for vulnerable citizens, nursing homes report all suspicious activities to police, as well as the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) of Ontario.
Anyone concerned about potential elder abuse can call police or the OPGT at 1-800-366-0335 .
SOURCE: The Chatham Daily News
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Yet another story on the same issue of financial abuse, through power of attorney given. I will attempt to make several posts, in the coming weeks; and provide links to information on this important legal instrument that many have used or are thinking of using.
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