Columbia woman accused of scamming $39,000 from elderly couple

A woman was charged with two felonies on Thursday, accused of stealing more than $39,000 from an elderly couple in west Columbia in less than two years.

Suzette Purvis was hired by the victims’ son to work as their driver. Both are in their 80s and have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Purvis was paid $10 an hour, working four hours a day, five days a week. She worked for the victims from October 2015 to February 2017, and should have earned a total of $13,800.

After inspecting the couple’s financial records, it was discovered Purvis was paid $53,657.40. Purvis admitted to filling out the checks and having the couple sign them. She has previously been arrested for felony forgery.

Her next court appearance is now set on May 2.