Dauphin County officials, law enforcement investigation leads to arrest of Swatara Township couple in elder financial abuse case

HARRISBURG, PA (October 22, 2018) – Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo and Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III today announced the arrest of a Swatara Township couple involved in one of the largest cases of financial exploitation of a senior citizen in Dauphin County history.  

On October 12, charges of felony theft and access device fraud were filed against Chester “Rob” Garman, III, 54, and Kathy Alice Garman, 62, for allegedly stealing more than $153,168 from an 86-year-old family member’s bank accounts and using his credit card between 2013 to 2017.

“These cases are always sad,” said Hartwick. “While we are happy we caught the criminals who were preying upon an older family member, we are disheartened to know that someone would take advantage of an elderly person –and especially a relative--in this way. We established the Elder Abuse Task Force, comprised of law enforcement officials, social workers, attorneys and bankers, to share information and discuss these cases, because by working together, we can better protect senior citizens.”

This investigation, conducted by Lower Swatara Police Department and Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging’s Protective Services Division, began in January of 2018, after a tip was reported to authorities.

“If you exploit senior citizens in Dauphin County, you will be caught and brought to justice,” said Chardo. “Thanks to the dedicated team of investigators who worked hard to crack this case and protect our senior citizens.”

Elder abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by 1 out of every 10 people over age 60 who live at home, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Reports of elder abuse in the county have steadily increased over the years.

In 2016, the county received a total of 1,564 reports of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of adults age 60 or older. In 2017, that figure rose to 1,836 reports – a 17 percent increase. The county received 1,634 reports of abuse to date this year.

“With elder abuse cases on the rise – especially those involving financial exploitation – in 2015 we hired a detective to focus solely on such crimes,” said Haste. “While the vast majority of reports to police involve perpetrators who are related to, or in a trusting relationship with the victim, scams and frauds by strangers are also very common – such as lottery or sweepstakes, home repair, charity or telemarketing scams.”

“We’re working hard to reverse this national trend and ensure our senior citizens can enjoy their retirement years in peace and security,” said Pries. “If you suspect a senior citizen is being abused, neglected or financially exploited - or you are the victim of abuse – call 866-SAFE-111, the county’s 24-hour-a-day hotline.”

The district attorney and commissioners urge anyone who notices signs of abuse, such as depression, confusion, trouble sleeping, weight loss, agitation, isolation, or unexplained bruises or scars, to call for help.

To report a case of elder abuse, call 866-SAFE-111 (866-723-3111).