PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms today that his Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision continues to receive a good number of referrals since its inception in 2016. The Subdivision received 102 leads/referrals and initiated 5 new investigations in the Jan –March 2018 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 Attorney General’s Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision has been asked to present at the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Elder Justice Training on April 16, 2018. The training is part of the NAAG 2017-2018 Presidential Initiative “Protecting American’s Seniors: Attorneys General United Against Elder Abuse.” The presentation will include how the subdivision was formed, perceptions of law enforcement and some of the barriers of investigations, and effective resolution stratagies.  

The Elder Abuse Unit 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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