Local

Hospice patient robbed by family member

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — A 92-year-old hospice patient told Channel 9 she was robbed by a family member in her own home.
 
Friends of the woman believe this is a classic case of elder abuse.

Claylie Evans said Friday her niece came to visit her for four days and during that time, two rings and her sterling silver disappeared.

“All of a sudden, (the niece) left and when she went out the door she was rolling (up) her bag and she said, ‘I got everything I came for.’”

They estimate the stolen items have a value of at least $15,000.

The rings were taken right off her fingers and the silverware out of her drawers.

The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office is investigating and friends seem confident she will get her property back.
 
They hope telling her story will highlight the problem of elder abuse and prevent someone else from taking advantage of seniors.
 
This crime is not uncommon.

Statistics show one in nine seniors reported being abused, neglected or exploited in that past 12 months.

Ninety percent of the time the abusers are family members or someone they trust.
 
Her friends said they are working with the Elder Abuse Prevention Council they filed a report with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office.

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