Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult

WYFF reported that $67,082 was recently stolen from a nursing home resident in Lyman, South Carolina. Law enforcement said the crime was committed by Jeanna Avery Stronkowsky, who was granted power of attorney for the vulnerable adult.

After stealing the money over the course of six months, the once-trusted power of attorney has been placed into the Spartanburg County Detention Center, charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, breach of trust with fraudulent intent, and crimes against a federally chartered or insured financial institution. She was charged with knowingly devising and executing a scheme to obtain money from Truist Bank through false and fraudulent pretenses.

Six months is far too long for anyone to unknowingly be the victim of a financial crime, let alone a vulnerable adult in a nursing home. It is time more protections are created and enforced to allow adults to age without pressing financial or security concerns.