SC Councilwoman Suspended After Allegations Of Abusing POA To Place Reverse Mortgage On Elderly Mom's Home & Pocketing Loan Proceeds

In Columbia, South Carolina, The Pickens Sentinel reports:

• Gov. Mark Sanford has suspended Clemson City Councilwoman Elouise James following her indictment on several charges in Pickens County. Sanford signed the suspension order on Thursday, following the Pickens County Grand Jury’s Oct. 20 indictment of James on charges that include exploitation of a vulnerable adult, forgery and obstruction of justice.

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• In Pickens County, James is charged with two counts of obtaining goods by false pretenses and one charge of exploitation of a vulnerable adult. According to a Pickens County Sheriff’s Office warrant, James did “improperly and unlawfully use the power of attorney of a vulnerable adult for the profit or advantage of Kirstyn James.” James allegedly used her power of attorney to reverse the mortgage on her 90-year-old mother’s home, warrants state. “The defendant used $15,451.60 from the mortgage to pay the remaining restitution balance for her daughter’s probation,” the warrants allege. James is also charged with obtaining money “with the intent to cheat and defraud,” warrants state. James allegedly “solicited money from the victim to aid in the treatment of Kirstyn James, her daughter, who purportedly suffered from cancer,” warrants state.

For the story, see Governor suspends Clemson City Councilwoman following indictment. DeedContraTheft FinancialAbuseOfElderlyAlpha