Lawrenceburg, IN — A couple from Batesville has been arrested and charged with theft from a legally incompetent family member.
Charges of Theft over $50,000 (Level 5 felony) and Exploitation of an Endangered Adult (Class A misdemeanor) were filed late last month before Dearborn Circuit Judge James Humphrey against Shouna and Christopher Muckerheide.
The charges stem from a guardianship case opened in 2018 for Shouna Muckerheide’s sister, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia.
Investigators say an accounting of the sister’s finances was required for the Court. Upon submission of that information, authorities say there were vast discrepancies in the financials, and Area 12 Protective Services (APS) were contacted to investigate the possible financial exploitation of an endangered adult.
Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens says investigators learned that the alleged victim had been living in a nursing home facility since August 2018 since she was not able to care for herself.
The alleged victim owned a home in Hidden Valley, which was sold in 2020.
The closing settlement reflected over $353,000 in proceeds. In the accounting provided to the Court by the Muckerheides, they allegedly listed net proceeds from the sale of the house as $147.537.94, which was a difference of $208,004.
Investigators say the Muckerheides used that profit to buy their home in Batesville, and that a credit card belonging to the alleged victim was used by the couple.
“These allegations against the Muckerheides are disturbing. A sister who stepped up to be a guardian for her ill sister found a way to profit,” said Deddens. “This case brings to the forefront the unfortunate reality of what we are already witnessing in society and this is more cases of elder financial exploitation.”
The Muckerheides surrendered on the warrant. Their next court date is a pre-trial hearing set for November 9.
If you know or suspect that an endangered adult or senior citizen is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, you can call the Indiana Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-992-6978.
