This is almost as bad as the two servers who got into a fight a few weeks ago at Logan's in Bossier, but this story has an edge of sadness to it, too. Generally, I like stupid criminal stories, but when you pick on the young or the old, you deserve everything you get!

This story happened in Princeton, LA -- my neck of the woods! Shame on you, Alyson Jones!

 GRANDDAUGHTER SPENDS MORE THAN $100K WITH GRANNY’S IDENTITY

Bossier Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Princeton woman for stealing the identity of her live-in grandmother and purchasing more than $100,000 in vehicles, computers and home improvements without her grandmother’s permission or knowledge.

Alyson D. Jones, 35, of the 280 block of Canvas Back in Princeton, was arrested Friday afternoon following a four-month investigation by the Bossier Financial Crimes Task Force that found Jones had swindled her 84-year-old grandmother of all her finances since 2009.

Detectives determined the grandmother, who suffers from dementia and bad eyesight, moved in with her granddaughter in Princeton in July 2009 from North Carolina.  In October 2012, the grandmother moved back to North Carolina to live with another relative, and in the process of getting the grandmother’s finances in order and addresses changed, that relative discovered that the grandmother had numerous credit cards opened in her name and were charged to the limit.  The relative also found that bank statements in the grandmother’s name showed she did not have any money and all of her savings had been depleted.

Bossier detectives began their investigation and discovered that Jones had opened four credit card accounts in her grandmother’s name.  Jones also used her grandmother’s identity to purchase a truck, minivan, motorcycle, computers, a metal garage, appliances and sod for the yard.  Jones also purchased everyday items such as groceries, household purchases and vet bills, all with her grandmother’s identity.

For three years, Jones also spent her grandmother’s Social Security benefit of nearly $1,500 each month, and she withdrew funds from her grandmother’s annuity policy, all without her grandmother’s permission and totaling nearly $60,000 alone.

On Friday, detectives seized the items that were purchased by Jones in whole or part by her grandmother’s money, including the double-wide trailer, Kia Sedona, Chevrolet Silverado, Harley Davidson and bank accounts.  Detectives also seized currency found in the glovebox of the minivan, which was a collection of the grandmother’s late husband, which included numerous $2 bills and other paper money from the 1920s and 1930s.

Jones admitted to detectives she took advantage of her grandmother, but denied she was stealing from her.  She was charged with eight counts of money laundering, four counts of identity theft, 11 counts of felony theft and one count of racketeering.  She was transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility where she was booked with a $130,000 bond.

Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington reminds everyone how serious a crime like identity theft can be, especially when it affects the elderly.

“Protecting all citizens from crime is my top priority, but when it comes to senior citizens and even our young people, I’m a bit more sensitive that justice is served.  Identity theft is a very unfortunate crime, and if you feel you’ve been a victim or know someone who has, please don’t hesitate to contact your Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement agency.”

-30-

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Lt. Bill Davis, Public Information Officer

More From K945, The Hit Music Channel