A Tennessee woman is facing charges after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) investigated the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Franklin County. Betty Duncan, who operated a care facility, is accused of transferring large sums of money from the account of an 82-year-old woman who had been under her care to an account co-owned by Duncan. The victim passed away in March while the investigation was ongoing.
According to WSMV, the inquiry began on July 9, when TBI agents started investigating theft allegations against Duncan. Throughout their investigation, agents quickly confirmed that Duncan had facilitated the unauthorized transfers, which led to an indictment on Monday. Following the indictment, Duncan was arrested on November 19 and faces charges of theft over $250,000 and financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult.
The Franklin County Grand Jury handed the indictment to Duncan, who now awaits legal proceedings while incarcerated at the Franklin County Jail on a $500,000 bond. They confirmed the arrest in a post from the TBI's official social media account. They said Duncan has been charged with theft and financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult.
This indictment has highlighted concerns about the security of vulnerable adults in care facilities, which often serve as their last refuge of trust and safety. On the heels of the indictment, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department officials were the ones to arrest Duncan, ensuring her to be processed at the local jail swiftly. As reported by WKRN, Duncan's arrest was a direct result of the detailed investigation led by TBI, which uncovered the financial irregularities in the victim's accounts.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required by authorities and the community when protecting those most susceptible to abuse. Full details of the investigation remain available through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's social media update as the case continues to develop.
Following an investigation by TBI special agents, the operator of a Franklin County care facility has been indicted and arrested, charged with theft and financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult.
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) November 19, 2024
DETAILS: https://t.co/NtIyp0wRPG
