A 58-year-old self-employed in-home caregiver was accused of spending more than $5,000 of her client's money on herself.
After a social worker was notified, police investigators said they found evidence that Alice Hipes, of East Moline, Illinois, was taking money from a 92-year-old man for her own personal use. Hipes was self-employed and was previously state-certified in 1995 as a certified nurses' assistant.
Hipes was charged with felony financial exploitation of an elderly person over 80 years of age on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Hipes was held in the Rock Island County Jail in lieu of $40,000 bond.
"Police are working with Alternatives and the court system to establish proper guardianship and care for the elderly person," said East Moline Police Lt. Darren Gault. "If you suspect an elderly person is being taken advantage of or being abused in any way, please report it to your local police department. There are resources available in the community to help protect elderly persons from physical, mental, emotional and financial abuse."