Marion County Woman Charged with Theft, Elder Abuse

A 68-year-old woman from Marion County was recently booked into the detention center following alleged theft and elder abuse.

The probable cause affidavit states the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in regards to an 84-year-old male with alzheimer’s dementia stating Bernice Rowse had been verbally and mentally abusive and allegedly exploiting him financially.

The victim stated Rowse allegedly put him outside in the cold until an ambulance was able to pick him up, and when he was released, Rowse refused to allow him back into the home or provide care for him.

During an interview with DHS it was noted the victim had been discharged from a care facility due to an outstanding balance of $25,064. On Feb. 1, 2022 the victim was placed into another care facility and Rowse, the Power of Attorney for the victim, stated she could not take care of him, but would be financially responsible.

The second facility states Rowse was uncooperative in providing financial information to start the long term Medicare assistance, leading to an outstanding balance of $33,348.

On April 1 of last year the victim’s checking account was closed due to $1,300 in overdraft fees. The affidavit notes multiple transactions were made from the account but did not appear to be medical bills or items for the victim during the timeframe he was in the long term care facility.

On March 8, 2023, the bank provided more information which lead to the discovery Rowse withdrew a total of $11,126 during the time the victim was in the long term care facility, and $12,620 reportedly was given to a friend.

The affidavit also notes Rowse received $5,258 in funds written directly to her from the victims account.

Rowse was booked into the Marion County Detention center on felony charges of theft of property and abuse of an endangered or impaired person.

She has been released on a $25,000 bond.

(From KTLO)