CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A Cedar Rapids woman has been arrested after police allege she stole over $11,000 from her 79-year-old aunt while serving as her aunt’s financial power of attorney.
Tammy Koenen, 55, was arrested last week on charges of dependent adult abuse and first-degree theft. Authorities say Koenen unlawfully took $11,473 from her aunt between September 2024 and January 2025.
According to the criminal complaint, Koenen’s aunt has been diagnosed with dementia and is incapable of making her own financial decisions. Koenen, who was entrusted with her aunt’s financial matters, had access to her bank account. Koenen admitted to police that she had been making weekly payments to herself, taking out loans for herself, and rounding up when transferring money from her aunt’s account to her own.
A warrant for Koenen’s arrest was issued on March 7, 2025, and she was taken into custody soon after. She appeared in court on Saturday, where the judge set her bail at $15,000.
Koenen now faces serious charges for exploiting her aunt’s trust and taking advantage of her vulnerable position. This case highlights the importance of safeguarding individuals with dementia and ensuring that their financial matters are handled ethically.
