NEWMANSTOWN, Pa. — A Berks County woman is facing charges after allegedly stealing more than $9,600 from an elderly victim, prosecutors said Friday.
Mary S. Shealer, 58, of Newmanstown, had power of attorney over the 89-year-old victim, according to Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams. Between 2019 and 2020, Shealer allegedly wrote numerous personal checks to herself from the victim's account, diverting over $9,600.
Authorities with the District Attorney's Office began investigating in August 2021, after receiving a report from the Berks County Area Agency on Aging.
Shealer is charged with felony counts of Financial Exploitation of an Older Adult or Care-Dependent Person, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception and Receiving Stolen Property.
She surrendered to authorities on Thursday and was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Steven Chieffo, who set bail at $50,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for a later date.
