Police say a family member of an elderly woman with declining cognitive abilities manipulated her and stole money from her over the course of a year.
56-year-old Dana Wright of Albin, Wyoming was charged with first-degree theft (Class C felony), ongoing criminal conduct (Class B felony), forgery (Class D felony), and financial exploitation of an older individual (Class B felony).
Court records say Wright manipulated the victim into adding Wright as a joint owner to the victim’s bank accounts. The victim is 77 years old and suffers from declining cognitive function and trusted Wright, officials say.
From August 2023 to May 2024, Wright allegedly wrote multiple checks signing the victim’s name that totaled over $18,000. Wright is also accused of raiding the victim’s life savings account and stealing $70,000. According to the criminal complaint, the victim only added Wright to her account to help in case the victim died.
A warrant for Wright’s arrest was issued on September 27 and she was taken into custody the following day.
Wright is currently housed in the Wapello County Jail on a $25,000 bond. Wright entered a plea of not guilty to the charges she faces according to court documents.
