Rumford Woman Accused of Elder Abuse, Financial Exploitation of Elder Family Member

A Rumford woman accused of elder abuse and financial exploitation for allegedly stealing more than $1,000 from an elderly relative for whom she was the primary caretaker was arrested on multiple felony charges on Tuesday.

Rumford Police arrested Sharon Gardner, 59, of Rumford, on charges of Class C theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, Class D misuse of identification and Class C endangering the welfare of a dependent person.

According to police, Gardner’s arrest comes after a two-week investigation into allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation, conducted alongside Rumford Hospital, the alleged victim’s financial institution and Maine Adult Protective Services.

It is alleged that Gardner, while serving as the primary caretaker for an elderly family member, diverted more than $1,000 from the elder family member for personal benefit, including using the family member’s debit card multiple times without authorization while the family member was hospitalized.

Police say that their investigation found that Gardner also allegedly restricted her elderly family member’s access to outside contact by limiting cell phone use and communication with others.

“Due to concerns for the victim’s welfare and the apparent scope of the exploitation, Gardner was arrested before the investigation was fully completed,” Rumford Police stated on Thursday.

“The investigation remains active, and additional charges against Gardner—and potentially other co-conspirators—are possible as police continue to uncover further evidence of exploitation and theft,” they stated.

Gardner was taken to the Oxford County Jail and was held on $1,000 cash bail. She has since been arraigned and released pending trial, with a court order prohibiting any further contact with the alleged victim.