March 4th, 2009
by KTAR.com
A 67-year-old Laveen woman has been charged with 21 counts of fraud and theft for allegedly abusing her power of attorney status she held over a sick, elderly woman.
Authorities say Peggy Joyce Moore befriended and eventually convinced an elderly woman to give her power of attorney following the death of the woman's husband.
The woman grew sick and, in October 2006, became "mentally incompetent."
Moore is accused of signing the victim's $172,000 home over to herself using her power of attorney. She also allegedly bought a $33,000 Lincoln Navigator and a $26,000 Mercedes sedan using the woman's money.
"Financial abuses of the elderly, as alleged in this case, will not be tolerated," said Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas. "Our office will prosecute vigorously all charges of this nature."
The case is being handled by the Maricopa County Elder Abuse Unit, which Thomas started in February. MCAO has reported an increase in case submissions since creating the group.
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