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Mother, daughter charged after allegedly stealing from relative with dementia

Deputies say the victim is a relative who was in their care.

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A mother and her daughter have been arrested and charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, according to Sumter County deputies. The victim is a relative who was in their care.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) contacted the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, April 8, 2024, to report that a person who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and dementia appeared to be being exploited by relatives. 

The DSS report alleged that Sally Houser was to take care of her relative but appears to have taken a large sum of money from them.

Following their investigation, deputies believe that on or between October 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the suspect, Sally Houser, who was supposed to be the caregiver of the victim, had the victim sign documents even though she knew the victim’s medical condition. Investigators found that Houser withdrew tens of thousands of dollars from the victim’s bank account.

Investigators also found evidence to arrest Houser’s daughter, Stephanie Evans, on the charge of exploitation of a vulnerable adult. It is alleged that Evans accepted tens of thousands of dollars from the victim, who is also her relative, and had the victim sign documents indicating the money was a gift.

“This victim suffers from dementia and depends on relatives to look out for their best interest. Instead of protecting their relative, Houser and Evans took advantage of them,” said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “It is especially grievous when the weak and defenseless are mistreated.”

Deputies transported Houser and Evans to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, and each posted a $20,000 surety bond before being released.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have information that may be helpful to investigators, you may call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 803-436-2000, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously in any of the following ways:

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