Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Financial Crimes Unit Detectives have arrested Wayne Walter Smith, Jr. for the Exploitation of an Elder Adult.The elderly victim met Mr. Smith through her church and was also the realtor that sold her house. The victim remained friends with Mr. Smith and his family. In October 2007, the victim signed a power of attorney giving Mr. Smith control of her finances, an excess of $150,000. The victim was in an assisted living facility at this time.
In March 2009, a friend of the victim’s contacted the police department regarding adult exploitation. A referral was made to the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services/Adult Protective Services Division and a joint investigation began with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. A warrant was obtained for Mr. Smith and he was arrested on November 24, 2010 and charged with Exploitation of an Elder Adult.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department encourages individuals to look for signs of possible exploitation:
* Unexplained withdrawals of money
* Using deceit, treachery, or coercion to obtain money
* Unusually interest by anyone in the older or disabled adult's finances
* Difference between assets and lifestyles
* Unusually large payments for services rendered
* Failure to pay for basic needs (lights, phone)
* Inappropriate sexual activities
Call 704-336-CARE (2273) to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.