FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Todd Hallidy
Phone: (302) 57-8314
Date: December 19, 2001
 

SMYRNA COUPLE CHARGED IN FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION CASE
 

(Wilmington, DE) - Wilmington, DE) - The Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse units of the Delaware Department of Justice today announced the arrest and indictment of a Smyrna area couple for the alleged exploitation of a 90 year-old woman living in the Blackbird area.

Rhett and Wendy Jones of 218 Bryn Zion Road in Smyrna were indicted this week by the New Castle County Grand Jury on one count of Felony Theft, Financial Exploitation of an Infirm Adult (a felony), Conspiracy in the Second Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.

The charges followed a four month investigation by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with the assistance of the Delaware State Police. The case was referred to the Attorney General's office by the Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection.

Rhett Jones (D.O.B. 12/5/63) and Wendy Jones (D.O.B. 1/14/68) were charged after the investigation revealed they had used in excess of $50,000 in cash and resources belonging to the victim for their own benefit. Mr. Jones became acquainted with the victim while doing yard work. The couple is alleged to have used the victim's money to make loan payments and purchases for their own benefit. They were arrested Thursday, December 13, 2001 by Delaware State Police at Troop 3 and were released on $20,500 unsecured bond each. The investigation is ongoing.

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