Two charged with financial exploitation of the elderly

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Cole County Sheriff's Department investigation into two people leads to charges of stealing and financial exploitation of the elderly.

According to court documents, Bernard Hoffman and Athena Smith went to Kohl's and used a Kohl's credit card to purchase $339.44 worth of items.

Hoffman and Smith can both be seen at the register to purchase the item and then getting into the same vehicle, leaving together according to court documents.

Hoffman faces charges of financial exploitation of the elderly, stealing - 4th or subsequent stealing offense within 10 years and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Smith is charged with financial exploitation of the elderly, stealing and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Smith and Hoffman each have a cash only bond of $350.