Putnam County deputies arrested Brandon McBroom on June 30 after an investigation concluded he neglected his 84-year-old grandfather and allegedly siphoned thousands of dollars from the man's accounts. McBroom faces charges of aggravated neglect of an elderly adult, theft of property, and financial exploitation of an elderly adult, and jail records list his bond at $143,000. The 84-year-old was taken to a hospital and is now in a safe place receiving care, according to investigators.
The case started April 13, when Adult Protective Services called deputies with concerns about the man's welfare. Investigators who went to the home said they found "extremely poor conditions," including non-functioning bathrooms, caved-in flooring and very little food. The 84-year-old was reportedly unbathed, short of breath, and unable to answer basic questions. Medical staff later determined he was severely malnourished, which led to additional complications, and law enforcement says he has since been placed in a safe setting to receive care, as reported by WSMV.
Alleged Financial Transfers And Charges
Putnam County investigators say bank records show McBroom transferred about $4,460.50 from the victim's account into his own across roughly 30 transactions. They also allege that two of the elder's checks were deposited into McBroom's account. He was booked June 30 on aggravated neglect of an elderly adult, theft of property, and financial exploitation of an elderly adult, and remains held on a $143,000 bond, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
What Tennessee Law Says
Under Tennessee law, aggravated neglect by a caregiver that causes serious physical harm is a felony. The statute spells out penalties for aggravated neglect of an elderly or vulnerable adult, as outlined by Justia. The financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult is separately addressed in state law, with provisions detailed by Justia.
Local Pattern And Where To Report
Putnam County law enforcement has pursued elder-targeted schemes before. In December 2025, the sheriff’s office arrested a suspect accused of fraud that cost two Putnam County seniors more than $268,000, underscoring how exploitation can take multiple forms. For suspected abuse or exploitation, Tennessee’s Adult Protective Services investigates reports and can coordinate with local law enforcement, and reporting rules and procedures are published by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Sheriff Eddie Farris praised detectives and Adult Protective Services for their work and urged the public to report suspected elder abuse immediately. "Our elderly citizens deserve dignity, compassion, and protection," he said. The sheriff’s comments and the agency’s account of the investigation were provided to WSMV.
