An Assisted Living Employee Charged With Third Degree Felony For Withdrawing Funds From Victims Bank Account That Held COVID-19 Stimulus Payment

An assisted living home employee out of Tyler, TX, has been arrested and charged with a third-degree felony. A charge for the exploitation of children, elderly, and or disabled persons.
Latazia Spencer, 22, has been accused of withdrawing funds from an assisted living home resident without their permission and using the funds to purchase food and pay her bills.
According to the affidavit, the victim resides in an assisted living home out of Tyler, TX, reported money withdrawn from her bank account in April 2020. The investigator handling the case obtained a photo from the bank’s surveillance camera. While at the facility to interview the victim, he saw Ms. Spencer working and requested to speak with her privately. Spencer admitted to taking the victim’s bank card without the victim’s permission. Spencer also admitted to using the funds to purchase food and pay bills.
The victim’s account held funds from the COVID-19 stimulus payment. It’s reported, that Spencer could’ve been aware of the stimulus payment as four withdraws were made totaling $1,199.
The investigator questioned the victim and showed Spencer’s photo retrieved from the bank’s surveillance. The victim confirmed Spencer as her aid and admitted she did not permit to withdraw any funds from her account.
Latazia Spencer remains in Smith County Jail with a $200,000 bond.
AHearne