Adairsville Man Reportedly Victim of Neighbor’s Theft

Bartow County Court House

Adairsville, Ga. - Friends of a local, elderly man called police and asked them to do a wellness check. This led to the discovery that the man had been tricked and stolen from by his neighbors.

According to detectives, the man's neighbors stole his cellphone and refused to let anyone see him telling everyone that he was sick. The elderly man was in desperate need of medical attention. All the while, the neighbors were using his power through an extension cord from his home to their residence. They were also allegedly using money from his bank account.

The neighbors were arrested, and as a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline one of the many felonious charges faced by the couple.

Exploitation and Intimidation of a Disabled or Elderly Adult in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines Exploitation and Intimidation of an Elder Person in Georgia as:

When a person:

1. Knowingly and willfully exploiting a disabled adult, elder person, or resident;
2. Willfully inflicting physical pain, physical injury, sexual abuse, mental anguish, or unreasonable confinement upon a disabled adult, elder person, or resident;
3. Willfully depriving a disabled adult, elder person, or resident of essential services.

Another way a suspect can violate the statute is by threatening, intimidating, or attempting to intimidate a disabled adult or elder person who is the subject of an investigation. It is also a crime to knowingly and willfully obstruct or in any way impede an investigation. O.C.G.A. §16-5-102.

If convicted of exploitation and intimidation of elder persons, the offense is classified as a felony. The penalty can include a prison sentence between one and twenty years or a fine of no more than $50,000.00, or both prison and a fine.

Practice Note

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