Elder abuse investigation leads to arrests
A personal support worker faces charges after police conducted an investigation into recurring thefts committed against a vulnerable person.
The Thunder Bay Police Service received a report in March that an elderly individual suspected they were the victim of ongoing thefts from their residence.
The Crimes Against Seniors investigator became involved in the ongoing investigation.
The investigation led to the identification of a suspect, who worked as a personal support worker.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, May 16.
Shaunna Lee-Ann COUZELIS, 45, is charged with Unlawfully in a Dwelling x8 and Theft Under $5,000.
The accused appeared in court and has been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.
A second individual was also charged with Unlawfully in a Dwelling.
This particular incident demonstrates an issue where personal support workers, or imposters, exploit their unsupervised access to the homes of elderly or otherwise vulnerable individuals. Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted and to be vigilant if there is suspicion of wrongdoing.
Anyone who believes they were the victim of a similar incident, or has information that could assist investigators, is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 684-1039. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit https://thunderbaypolice.ca/protecting-seniors.
