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Women Charged With Defrauding Elderly Woman And Disabled Man

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS - A woman was arrested today on charges she defrauded a 90-year-old woman and the woman's 69-year-old disabled son while supposedly helping take care of them.

Debra L. Folts, 48, of 11545 Turks Drive, New Port Richey, was charged with exploitation of the elderly and disabled, exploitation of the elderly, residential burglary, grand theft and uttering a forged instrument, said Sgt. Barbara Templeton of the Tarpon Springs Police Department.

Folts was formerly employed by Mobile Personal Service, a New Port Richey company, as a visiting home health aide, Templeton said. In that capacity, she was assigned to take care of the woman and her son, who live in the 1300 block of Red Oak Drive, Templeton said.

From August through October, Folts stole checks from one of the victims, forged the required signature and made purchases in the city, Templeton said. Then, when the two were placed in a nursing home, Folts broke into the home on Red Oak Drive and stole some furniture, Templeton said.

Folts is accused of cashing checks totaling $229.44 at a Publix supermarket in Tarpon Springs, Templeton said. She is also suspected of cashing checks totaling $675 in Pasco County, and authorities there are expected to decide whether to prosecute Folts.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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