SPOKANE — A Spokane County sheriff’s spokesman says officers arrested a Spokane Valley woman accused of preying on an elderly trailer park neighbor’s fears to steal $10,000 from the victim’s bank account.
Deputy Mark Gregory said Wednesday that paramedics visited the 91-year-old resident’s home recently and told her that because of the clutter she perhaps needed to be in a nursing home or have someone help her clean up. The park manager told officers he thinks a neighbor overheard this conversation and quickly contacted the victim.
The younger woman is accused of promising to help her neighbor stay out of a nursing home if she signed power of attorney documents. Gregory said $10,000 was withdrawn from the elderly woman’s bank account the day after those documents were signed.
Deputies arrested Jody Scotece, 53, for investigation of first-degree theft. Gregory said the woman initially said she had permission to withdraw the money to repair her truck and buy items including a 47-inch television. The spokesman said Scotece returned about $4,500.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.