(WILMINGTON, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced the conclusion of an elder abuse investigation through a plea agreement with Christine Warkentine filed in Clinton County Common Pleas Court. The attorney general’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Special Prosecutions Section handled the investigation and prosecution.
“Those who exploit and victimize older adults through deception and financial exploitation will be held accountable for their actions,” Yost said. “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. Warkentine 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 (two 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. Warkentine’s 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.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Justice Unit works with law enforcement, prosecutors, adult protective services and communities to identify, investigate and prosecute elder abuse cases. For more information on the Elder Justice Unit, or to get support for a victim of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, call 800-282-0515.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417
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