Elder abuse victim speaks out
Jun 06, 2009
Older folks in this community are being taken advantage of now more than ever and the Chatham County District Attorney's office is fighting back.
This week, a jury convicted a Savannah woman for exploiting and stealing money from an elderly woman she was hired to take care of. It's the first time a case like this has ever been prosecuted in the county.
WTOC first spoke with the 75-year-old victim nearly two years ago and we spoke to her again today about finally seeing justice served.
"Marie" is still too scared to reveal her true identity. She needs a wheelchair to get around and needs help doing daily chores. Two years ago, the woman she hired to take care of her abused her. Not physically, but emotionally and financially.
"I needed help, she was very kind and good about offering that help but I guess I wasn't watchful enough," Marie said.
Prosecutors said Sheryl Harris is the abuser. She used Marie's credit cards, stole her food, conned Marie into buying her a car and even turned Marie against her own family.
"It makes me feel very vulnerable even yet," Marie said. Her words to describe Harris, "Pretty despicable."
And help is out there.
"Even if your not sure, there are agencies there that will check it out," Heap said. "You can call adult protective services and it's anonymous."
It can save other families from going through the anguish Marie and her family have.
If you or a someone you know may be a victim of elder abuse, here are some useful numbers:
Adult Protective Services - 888.774.0152
Chatham County District Attorney's Office - 912.651-6675
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department - 912.232.4141
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