A 58-year-old woman in North Charleston has been arrested after police said she exploited her elderly neighbor and fraudulently accessed her finances.
Investigation Begins After Report
According to the North Charleston Police Department, the case began on March 19 when the South Carolina Department of Social Services and Adult Protective Services reported suspected financial exploitation of a 79-year-old woman.
The victim reportedly suffers from cognitive impairment, which made her vulnerable to financial abuse.
Fraudulent Financial Activity
Investigators with the Special Victims Unit found that multiple checks belonging to the victim were allegedly cashed or deposited without permission.
Police said the total financial loss in the case is more than $3,000.
Arrest Made at Local Hotel
Authorities identified the suspect as Kimberly Spear Lawrence, 58, of North Charleston. She was located and arrested on Wednesday at a hotel on Dorchester Road.
Lawrence was charged with fraud and exploitation of a vulnerable adult and transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.
