Gerrard Kaonga
Police have arrested a woman who they believe attacked and stole from an elderly woman, turning her after being denied a bonus.
The incident happened on Christmas eve, and has left the 83-year-old victim shaken and financially exploited.
Authorities have condemned and arrested the housekeeper, identifying her as 29-year-old Heather Nelson.
Tod Goodyear, the sheriff's office's public information office, explained what Nelson allegedly did next.
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He said: “She actually took the check by force, [she] took some Christmas cards that had money in them, took some debit and credit cards, left the residence, forged some signatures, and attempted to take quite a bit of money from this woman.”
The sheriff’s office has also alleged that Nelson took significantly more than the $500 she had asked for.
After forcing the checkbook out of the victim's hands, she allegedly forged a check for $1,400 and then used the money to pay for her rent.
Police have also said the elderly victim suffered physical injuries from the ordeal.
Goodyear added: “Based on what she was using the monies for, she was in financial trouble.
“Maybe she just saw this as the only way possibly out of it, but to take advantage of our elderly seniors is not what you do.”
It took authorities two weeks to piece together Nelson’s alleged crimes forged check cleared. By January 7, deputies had enough evidence and moved to arrest Nelson, and she was apprehended.
She is currently facing charges of aggravated battery, robbery, forgery, fraud, passing a counterfeit instrument, and grand theft alongside fraud charges.
When confronted at the scene, Nelson was reportedly concerned that the authorities would publicize her alleged crimes on social media.
This fear seemed to be justified as Sheriff Wayne Ivey condemned Nelson in a scathing press release.
He said: “When the victim announced that she didn't have enough money to give her a bonus, Nelson responded by physically wrenching the victim's checkbook from her hand, stealing a check from the checkbook, and then, I guess in an effort to ruin other people's Christmas as well, stole Christmas cards that were set to be mailed out also containing checks!! Damn Grinch, you went too far!!
“'I guess committing battery and almost breaking the wrist of the elderly victim wasn't bad enough, so you decide to steal all her money and take Christmas gifts that were meant for others away as well!! What's next…kick her dog?”