Two individuals are facing serious charges in Broward County after perpetrating an exploitation scheme against a disabled woman, involving threats with a gun and the theft of over $70,000. Local 10 News reports that 61-year-old Bob Ely and 52-year-old Diane Cooper were apprehended on Tuesday, accused of coercing the victim into handing over large sums of money.
The scheme commenced when the suspects met the victim at a hotel, and it was there that Ely threatened her with violence and showed a gun to force the victim to make substantial withdrawals from her bank. According to a report by NBC Miami, the investigation began after a tip was received in July detailing the suspects' actions.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, pieced together the events transpired over several weeks, ultimately culminating in arrest warrants issued for Ely and Cooper on August 29. They were taken into custody while Ely visited his probation officer.
Charges against the pair include exploitation of a disabled adult, grand theft, and an organized scheme to defraud, with Ely facing additional charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. It was discovered that Ely also used the victim's stolen debit card to pocket cash and make unauthorized purchases, having stolen a total of $70,467.59, as records showed.
Currently, Cooper is held at the Paul Rein Detention Facility on a $110,000 bond, while Ely remains in custody without bond at the Broward Main Jail. The relationship between Ely and Cooper is still uncertain as of the latest update provided by Local 10 News.
