Columbia woman accused of financial exploitation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia woman was charged Thursday with financial exploitation of an elderly person after allegedly stealing from a 78-year-old man who received in-home care.

The man's daughter received a power of attorney over him in October. She found unusual activity in his bank accounts, according to a probable cause statement.

The man was 78 when the report was filed in October. He died July 15.

The victim said in June that Stacey McKernan, 47, "helped out" around the house he was living in and was permitted to use his bank accounts purchase items for him, but did not give permission to let her withdraw money from an ATM or spend money at a casino.

McKernan was the payee of several checks from Feb. 25, 2019-Sept. 20, 2021, totaling about $82,588.

The probable cause statement says $5,200 in debit purchases and $2,002 in ATM withdrawals at the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville from Aug. 3-Sept. 23, 2021.

McKernan also gave in-home care to the man's wife.

Another man who receives in-home care stated McKernan stole money from him, as well. The Missouri Department of Social Services said McKernan did not report any income from any of the three victims.