Wilson Applauds Attorney General on Conclusion of Elder Abuse Investigation
April 5, 2019
Steve Wilson News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) applauded the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Special Prosecutions Section for its investigation of Christine Warkentine, who was found guilty of financially exploiting older adults.
"During my career in banking, I frequently saw similar financial crimes against Ohio's aging population," said Wilson. "That is why we took important steps with Senate Bill 158 last General Assembly to help stop criminals from preying on Ohio's senior citizens. It is excellent news to hear when we hold those who commit these unspeakable acts accountable. I sincerely thank all those involved with bringing this case to a close, and I hope to see more individuals who commit financial crimes against the elderly brought to justice."
“Those who exploit and victimize older adults through deception and financial exploitation will be held accountable for their actions,” Yost stated in a press release on Thursday. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute cases of elder abuse to protect the unprotected.”
Warkentine was hired by an elderly man with cerebral palsy to provide in-home care. She represented herself as a formerly licensed practical nurse, though she never held an LPN license. Once employed, Warkentine fleeced the victim for more than $50,000 during a period of six months. She also used the victim’s credit card without consent, racking up charges of approximately $15,000. Warkentine pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft by deception (2 counts), misuse of credit card, telecommunications fraud and failing to report income.
Warkentine will be sentenced on July 1 and faces a maximum of 11 years in prison. Her husband, Chad Warkentine, also faces felony charges of telecommunications fraud and taxation fraud in a separate case involving the same victim. Chad Warkentine’s trial is scheduled for May 22.
For more information on the Warren County Adult Protective Service Program, or to make a referral regarding an adult 60 years or older who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation, please contact the agency at 513-695-1423.
If it is a life threatening emergency please call 911. For urgent matters, and Adult Protective Services can be contacted between the hours of 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, weekends or holidays, please call the after-hours hotline number at (513) 695-1600.
"During my career in banking, I frequently saw similar financial crimes against Ohio's aging population," said Wilson. "That is why we took important steps with Senate Bill 158 last General Assembly to help stop criminals from preying on Ohio's senior citizens. It is excellent news to hear when we hold those who commit these unspeakable acts accountable. I sincerely thank all those involved with bringing this case to a close, and I hope to see more individuals who commit financial crimes against the elderly brought to justice."
“Those who exploit and victimize older adults through deception and financial exploitation will be held accountable for their actions,” Yost stated in a press release on Thursday. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute cases of elder abuse to protect the unprotected.”
Warkentine was hired by an elderly man with cerebral palsy to provide in-home care. She represented herself as a formerly licensed practical nurse, though she never held an LPN license. Once employed, Warkentine fleeced the victim for more than $50,000 during a period of six months. She also used the victim’s credit card without consent, racking up charges of approximately $15,000. Warkentine pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft by deception (2 counts), misuse of credit card, telecommunications fraud and failing to report income.
Warkentine will be sentenced on July 1 and faces a maximum of 11 years in prison. Her husband, Chad Warkentine, also faces felony charges of telecommunications fraud and taxation fraud in a separate case involving the same victim. Chad Warkentine’s trial is scheduled for May 22.
For more information on the Warren County Adult Protective Service Program, or to make a referral regarding an adult 60 years or older who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation, please contact the agency at 513-695-1423.
If it is a life threatening emergency please call 911. For urgent matters, and Adult Protective Services can be contacted between the hours of 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, weekends or holidays, please call the after-hours hotline number at (513) 695-1600.