Man accused neglect and financial exploitation of his mother

An Alva man is accused of financial exploitation by caretaker after an investigation by Adult Protective Services (APS).

Kenneth Ray Murrow, 56, of Alva is charged with neglect and financial exploitation by caretaker, a felony. The charge was filed Tuesday, March 27, in Woods County District Court. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years or by a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.

Information in the case states Murrow has been the caretaker or financial manager of his mother Mary Schmitt since 2012. He is alleged to have refused to pay for Schmitt’s nursing home care while using her money for his own expenses.

The affidavit on file shows on Feb. 23 Jennifer Ferguson of APS contacted Alva Police Officer Kyle Fuller about her investigation in the case. She described Schmitt as an elderly female who is a patient at Share Convalescent Home in Alva. She said Schmitt’s son, Murrow, has been consistently withdrawing money from Schmitt’s account for personal use.

Ferguson said Murrow has durable power of attorney for Schmitt, issued July 24, 2012, which allows him to make transaction on her back account. A statement from Share Convalescent shows Schmitt currently owes $19,720 for her care.

Ferguson showed Officer Fuller bank records of Schmitt’s account, which showed consistent deposits from Social Security into Schmitt’s account that were then withdrawn again, often on the same day. There were also copies of debit transaction slips signed by Murrow showing withdrawals in cash, leaving the balance of the account at approximately $5 to $10.

Officer Fuller, accompanied by Officer Keith Dale, went to speak to Murrow at his residence. According to the affidavit, Murrow said he was the one making the withdrawals from Schmitt’s account. He said his mother gave him permission to use money from her Social Security deposits for his rent, bills and groceries. He said she would confirm giving him this permission.

Dale asked the approximate total of his rent, bills and food, and Murrow said it was about $1,000 per month. His mother’s Social Security check is about $1,400 a month. When Fuller asked Murrow what he does with the excess, he said he puts the cash in a drawer. He said he had about $200.

Murrow said he had received a statement from the nursing home and all money deposited into Schmitt’s account will be paid on the bill beginning the next month. He said the last time he had paid anything toward his mother’s medical bills was about a year ago.

The officers talked to Schmitt at the nursing home. She said Murrow was to use money from her account to pay her bills, and she told him he could use the leftover amount for his personal use.

Murrow’s bond has been set at $5,000 and his next court appearance is set for May 8.