RUMFORD — A 59-year-old Rumford woman was arrested April 15 following a two-week investigation into allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation of a family member.
Sharon Gardner faces multiple felony charges after police say she diverted more than $1,000 from an elderly family member while serving as their primary caretaker.
The investigation was conducted jointly by Rumford Police Department, Rumford Hospital, the victim’s financial institution, and Maine Adult Protective Services.
According to police, Gardner committed Theft by Unauthorized Taking or Transfer, a Class C felony, and Misuse of Identification, a Class D misdemeanor, by using the family member’s debit card multiple times without authorization, including while the family member was hospitalized.
Investigators also allege Gardner restricted the victim’s access to outside contact, including limiting cell phone use and communication with others, resulting in an additional charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Dependent Person, a Class C felony.
Gardner was arrested before the investigation was fully completed due to concerns for the victim’s welfare, police said.
She was initially held on $1,000 cash bail at the Oxford County Jail but has since been arraigned and released pending trial with a court order prohibiting contact with the victim.
The investigation remains active, with additional charges against Gardner and potentially other co-conspirators possible as police continue to gather evidence.
