A 60 year old former Sarnia woman, who was made Power of Attorney for her 83 year old hospitalized mother, has been arrested and charged by the Sarnia Police Criminal Investigations Branch for Theft by Person Holding Power of Attorney, contrary to section 331 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
The investigation started back on August 8, 2012 when a complaint was received by a third party about theft by a Power of Attorney. An extensive investigation began and it was concluded today with the arrest of the 60 year old accused when she surrendered herself at police headquarters around noontime. She was subsequently released on an Officer in Charge Undertaking with conditions and will make her first court appearance on April 16, 2013.
The investigation revealed that the accused was made the Power of Attorney for her mother back in March of 2009. She moved into her mother’s house. The mother recovered and was eventually released from hospital. The daughter remained as the Power of Attorney.
Over the course of the next 3 years, the accused removed money from various bank accounts, took cash advances on credit cards, stole benefits and borrowed on a line of credit, all belonging to the victim and did this to the benefit herself. The accused also left a large number of outstanding debts in the victim’s name. She never replaced any money taken or repaid any of the debts incurred. The accused fled the mother’s house in March of 2012 to move to Woodstock.
The total amount of tangible cash losses was over $96,000.00.
No names will be released to protect the identity of the victim.
Sarnia Police Criminal Investigation Branch is beginning to receive these types of complaints in greater numbers than ever before. Often, the complaints do not originate from the victim but are received from third parties who become aware of the problem or situation and contact police on the victim’s behalf. These types of investigations tend to be lengthy and complex in nature.
Anyone with a concern of this nature can contact the Sarnia Police Criminal Investigations Branch for assistance or advice.