Elder abuse topic at East Side meeting

Pete Stocchi and Casey Tafoya, Genesee County Sheriff's Department elder abuse division detectives, spoke about criminal abuse, neglect and fraud of elders at the East Side Business Association meeting Oct. 26.

"Every day vulnerable older adults are taken advantage of by people they trust," Stocchi said. "Our office is set up with a team of social workers, nurses and detectives who work together to help the people 60 and older."

According to Stocchi, the sheriff formed the interdisciplinary elder abuse program and exploitation prevention team about four years ago. His office works with the Genesee County Probate Court and the Genesee County prosecutor that combine law enforcement investigative services with health and social services to prevent and prosecute elder abuse and exploitation.

The elder abuse and exploitation prevention team provides probate court with detailed information to make appropriate guardianship decisions to ensure that older adults are cared for in a safe and ethical manner.

"We average 150 to 200 complaints a week," Stocchi added. "We see a lot of financial fraud, 60 to 70 percent of our cases. It's sad to say, but many times it's the family that is embezzling from grandma or grandpa."

Stocchi described a couple of cases.

One was a woman who was victimized by someone she knew while she was hospitalized. The offender convinced the woman her home needed extensive electrical repair, then pocketed the money and stole her vehicle.

A retired teacher was held prisoner in his own home by three young men he had befriended earlier.

"The trio drained his bank account in a couple of months," Stocchi explained.

Telephone scams are another source of complaints that his office handles.

"You've won thousands of dollars and you need to send a couple of hundred to our office to receive your prize," says the scammer.

Tafoya explained the importance of calling the elder abuse hotline if you suspect fraud, neglect or abuse.

"The longer this kind of activity goes on, the harder it is to resolve," Tafoya said. "We see elderly people who are cutting back on their medications because someone is taking advantage of them financially. Sometimes it's an intimidating situation. The elderly person feels threatened, but doesn't tell anyone."

Both officers said the reason their program is working so well is because all of the program's services are housed under one roof.

"Our nurses and social workers are 20 steps away —  not a phone call or agency away. We all work together," Tafoya explained.

The program is funded in part by the county senior millage. The officers explained that they primarily work with people aged 60 and over but will handle a complaint of a 59-year-old. The criminal activity or victim should be in Genesee County. The department has been called to advise other agencies around the state because of their broad experience.

Asked if the program includes GPS service for elderly suffering from dementia who may wander away from home, Tafoya said the sheriff's department does the monitoring.

The pair urged members to call (810) 762-4022 if they see or suspect elder abuse.

In other matters, David Caswell, Citizens Nuisance Task Force, announced Spooner Metals, 5032 N. Dort Highway, filed an injunction against the city's 60-day license suspension for buying stolen metal.

The city's ruling was upheld by Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille.

The group also celebrated Helen Chazik's 92nd birthday with a cake.