FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Thursday, October 12, 2017 
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215       

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms today that his Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision continues to see an increase in referrals and prosecutions since its inception in 2016. The Subdivision received 122 leads/referrals and cut 28 cases in the July –September 2017 quarter.

“Elder financial abuse is increasing as our state population continues to age.  Often these crimes are underreported making it challenging to investigate and prosecute,” said Jackley.  “This is why the public’s help and support is so important, and why our Elder Abuse community outreach continues to spread the word that these cases will be taken seriously.”

The Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision was created by the Legislature during the 2016 legislative session and is comprised of one full-time investigator and one full-time prosecutor and primarily investigates and prosecutes cases involving theft of assets from the elderly in South Dakota.
 
In addition to the investigative and prosecutorial work this Subdivision does, they provide education to seniors and their families on the seriousness of elder financial abuse. Organizations are encouraged to call the Attorney General's Office at (605) 773-3215 to schedule an outreach event.

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