A Naples woman has been found guilty in connection to an elderly exploitation case after a jury returned the verdict on Friday.
Lynn Marie Keller, 69, has been found guilty of seven counts of exploiting an elderly/disabled person and two counts of grand theft from a person 65 years or older.
According to reports, on Nov. 30, 2019, the victims' son called the Collier County Sheriff's Office in reference to the grand theft of $20,000 in jewelry and a car.
Keller, a friend and neighbor of the victims, was reported as the suspect. The victims were an older woman who was under crisis care by hospice and her husband, who was living in a skilled nursing facility, per reports.
Investigations revealed transactions made by Keller utilizing a Power of Attorney of the female victim and the victim's joint bank account.
According to court documents, the female victim died. Keller then reportedly took items from the house before leaving the area. Keller also reportedly instructed a friend of the victim not to tell the son that his mother had died.
Deputies contacted Keller, who admitted to having possession of the jewelry, as well as the couple's checkbooks, debit cards and credit cards.
Keller reportedly also admitted to having the victims' car in her possession, which she transferred into her own name the day before the female victim died. Reports state Keller did not have permission from the male victim.
Keller told deputies she was in the Florida Keys but would return with the items. Reports state the vehicle was never returned.
A warrant was issued for her arrest. Keller was arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the Collier County Jail.
A status conference is set for Dec. 16, 2024, at which time a sentencing date will be scheduled.
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