OTTUMWA, IOWA — Dana Elaine Wright, 56, of Albin, Wyoming, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly financially exploiting an elderly victim from Ottumwa, Iowa. Wright has been charged with theft in the first degree (Class C Felony), ongoing criminal conduct (Class B Felony), forgery (Class D Felony), and financial exploitation of an older individual (Class B Felony).
According to court documents, Wright manipulated the elderly victim, who had declining cognitive abilities, to add her as a joint owner on the victim’s bank account. Over the course of several months, Wright wrote checks and made bank transactions without the victim’s consent, draining over $70,000 from the victim’s lifetime savings.
The theft occurred between August 2023 and May 2024, with Wright reportedly taking full advantage of the victim’s condition. A warrant for her arrest was issued on September 27, and she was taken into custody the following day. Wright has since been released after posting a $25,000 bond and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on October 1.
The case highlights the issue of financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals and serves as a reminder of the potential for abuse when cognitive decline and manipulation intersect. Authorities continue to pursue justice for the victim in this case.
