A Florida woman has been arrested after an investigation revealed she defrauded a woman in her 90s out of more than half a million dollars over an 18-month period.
Sheena Russell, 45, of Navarre, Florida, is charged with theft of over $100,000, organized scheme to defraud more than $50,000, and elderly exploitation.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Mike Kruger says the thefts from the victim’s trust and bank accounts took place between March 30th, 2020, and September 22, 2021, and exceeded $582,647.
The victim is now 99 years old.
Russell, who knew the victim and her late husband for a number of years, had served them as a waitress at a Fort Walton Beach restaurant and started doing errands for the victim after her husband passed away.
The OCSO investigation began following a complaint by the victim’s brother, who lives out of state.
Russell claims she and the victim had a joint business venture, while the victim says she did not give Russell consent to withdraw or transfer any money from her accounts.
Investigator Kruger’s investigation shows among other things, Russell used funds from the victim to help pay off her mortgage, buy a vehicle, and fund trips to Walt Disney World, Pigeon Forge Tennessee, the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, and Washington, D.C., as well as a ski trip to Utah.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
Copyright 2022 The Free Press, LLC, tampafp.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.