A funeral home worker has been accused of manipulating an 84-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease. It started the day after the man’s wife died.
The victim no longer has a house or a life savings.
Maribel Torres, 57, is the woman who stole from him, police say.
In 2019, the older man was introduced to Torres while planning his wife’s funeral services.
“She could see that he obviously was not himself, on a whole bunch of levels. She began to befriend him,” reports say.
Authorities add that Torres told the victim she knew him. As their relationship progressed, she was able to submit documents to take his house. She also received business loans through a company that she created, using the man’s home.
Altogether, Torres received $400,000.
The situation was uncovered when a nephew went to visit the man, his uncle. He found that Torres and her son had moved into the house.
The man’s residence had already been sold and borrowed against. Police say the victim probably won’t be able to get his house back.
Torres has been charged with three felony charges. This includes elderly exploitation and grand theft.
Reports have revealed that the victim’s health has been declining.
