Man Charged after Holding Elderly Ex-Marine Hostage for Four Years
Police in Highlands, New York have apprehended a man who was allegedly responsible for holding an elderly former marine hostage for at least four years. According to authorities, the man had an adjoining room at a motel, where he kept the elderly victim in order to collect and steal his benefits checks.
The elderly man also showed signs of physical abuse, which police believe was used to intimidate the mentally diminished veteran into cooperating. Upon being discovered by police, the man was displaying signs of advanced dementia.
Police also estimate that the veteran had received a “tremendous amount of money” in monthly Social Security benefits, as well as food stamps and pension checks. However, investigators could not pinpoint the precise total.
Unfortunately, elder abuse is nothing new in many communities, including the state of Texas, where the crime has been on the rise in recent years.
Elder Abuse Cases in Texas
When an elderly person entrusts an individual or organization with their health and well-being, it is reasonable to expect a certain quality of care. However, when it comes to the elderly population in the United States, especially those living in nursing homes or other assisted living facilities, neglect and victimization are all too common.
According to recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 500,000 older than the age of 60 experience abuse or neglect each year in this country. Sadly, that figure is expected to continue to inflate, since many cases of elder abuse continue to go unreported.
Abuse against the elderly is categorized in a few different ways. The abuse may fall under any of the following, including:
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Financial abuse
- Abandonment
- Sexual abuse
Oftentimes, this type of abuse takes place in nursing homes abuse or other assisted living facilities, where an individual may be particularly vulnerable, especially in cases involving a diminished mental capacity.
As a result, it is important to keep in mind that, when dealing with nursing homes or assisted living facilities, the negligent behavior of employees or individual workers make the organization and its staff liable for any abuse.
Elder Abuse Attorneys in Texas
If you or someone you know has experienced elder abuse, in any way, know that you are not alone in your struggle. In addition to an array of support resources, there are also attorneys throughout the Southwest region, including New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, who specialize in handling cases connected to elder abuse or nursing home neglect.
That’s where the dedicated attorneys at The Ruhmann Law Firm come in. Our firm has built a successful history advocating on behalf of those who need it most – the victims – including those who have experienced elder abuse. We understand that dealing with any type of abuse can be intimidating, especially for those most vulnerable, and that’s why we are dedicated to helping you find the justice you deserve.
Let us work with you to end your trauma and reach the settlement you deserve. To schedule your complimentary initial consultation with a member of our team, call The Ruhmann Law Firm at (915) 845-4529.