Verona woman charged with exploiting vulnerable adult in Tupelo
Tupelo — A Verona woman has been charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult after Tupelo police investigated a report involving the purchase of a vehicle, authorities said.
The Tupelo Police Department said a report was filed May 8 alleging that someone used a victim’s information to purchase a vehicle. After further investigation, Saundra T. Estes, 48, of Verona, was arrested May 12 and charged with one count of exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Allen ordered Estes held on a $5,000 bond, and the case will be presented to the Lee County grand jury, officials said. Estes is charged; an arrest is an allegation and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Exploitation of a vulnerable adult generally refers to using an elderly or disabled person’s money, property or personal information for someone else’s benefit and is a criminal offense in Mississippi and elsewhere. The allegation that personal information was used to buy a vehicle highlights growing concerns about identity-related fraud and crimes targeting vulnerable people. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
