Editorial: District attorney, police battle elder abuse
(Savannah Morning News)
A little more than a week ago, police in Garden City arrested a man and a woman — they’re engaged to be married — on charges they conned their way into an elderly couple’s home and stole cash, electronics and jewelry, including a wedding ring.
Police say the younger couple, who face several felony charges, knocked on the older couple’s door, offered unsolicited work on their pool and talked the 74-year-old woman and 78-year-old man into inviting them into their home.
The younger couple stayed for at least an hour and even shared a beer with their hosts, according to Garden City Police Sgt. Lindsey Talley. During that time, Talley said, the visitors took various items out to their car.
Stolen items included an ID, a debit card, cash, a laptop and jewelry described as sentimental. Before leaving, the couple told the victims they’d be in touch later in the week about fixing their pool. Needless to say, they never reappeared.
Talley discovered the younger woman had used the stolen debit card online, was able to trace it and also found a wedding ring stolen from the elderly couple had been sold to a gold buyer.
Police are still trying to track down pieces of the stolen property, but they’ve been able to return some of it to the victims.
The courts will decide whether the younger couple is found guilty. What may be more important in the long run is the fact a police agency is making protection of the elderly a priority.
WHO TO CALL
If you suspect elder abuse or need assistance, you may contact:
• Police: 911
• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-774-0152
• Long Term Care Ombudsman: 912-367-4866
• Georgia Legal Services Program: 912-651-2180
• Chatham County Victim-Witness Assistance Program: 912-652-7329
• Senior Citizens Inc: 912-236-0363
• Rape Crisis Center: 912-233-7279
Source: Kristin Fulford, District attorney office
Abridged
SOURCE: The Savannah Morning News
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