Elder Abuse Or Bad Bookkeeping (IA. USA)

Theft charges lodged against pastor, wife

BY TOM ALEX

 APRIL 4, 2009

A Des Moines pastor and his wife allegedly misspent $100,000 they were in entrusted with to care for their elderly parents.

James Wiles, 67, and Linda Wiles, 59, were in the Polk County Jail late Friday on multiple counts of first-degree theft and dependent adult abuse.

Des Moines Police Detective Tarry Pote said James Wiles is a pastor at Faith Independent Assembly of God Church at 6001 S.W. 14th St.

The Rev. Ron Bohall, a pastor at the church, said Wiles resigned Thursday.

"He wants nothing to backlash onto the church," Bohall said. "They are innocent until proven guilty. There's been a total misrepresentation of the facts."

Pote identified the victims as James Wiles' father, Kenneth Wiles, 88, and Linda Wiles' parents, Frank, 89, and June Ferrari, 85.

Police said the Wileses have power of attorney for their parents, who live with them at 2070 E. Leland Ave., a house formerly owned by the Ferraris.

Pote said that the Wileses are legally allowed to use some of their parents' money for care, but that 

that they used about $100,000 for vacations, airfare, motels and "to eat out frequently."

Abridged

SOURCE:    Desmoines Register - IA, USA

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If this is proven, it's theft and probably elder abuse.  If not proven, then it should alert those who are given power of attorney, that they must keep their own affairs separate from those of the donor of  POA.  Keeping accurate records is essential to avoid misunderstanding and/or charges of theft or elder abuse.

....... AC

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