A woman accused of draining her parents’ financial resources as her mother battled cancer pleaded guilty to exploitation of an elder adult Tuesday, May 24.
Lisa D. Wells, 52, of Locus Grove agreed in Columbia County Superior Court that she will repay $10,000 to her father, starting with $1,300 cash Tuesday. Judge J. Wade Padgett accepted her plea under the First Offender Act and imposed a 10-year probation term. However, if Wells complies with all requirements and pays the remaining $8,700 in restitution in 18 months, Padgett said her sentence will be reduced to three years.
C. Wayne Ellington, whose wife died in 2019, said Wells was supposed to take care of their finances while they were seeking treatment for his wife. They relalized that Wells was taking their money for herself instead, including taking out a $16,000 loan on their property. He’s been forced to return to the workforce at age 75, Ellington said.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.