A Maine woman is accused of exploiting at least a dozen elderly people in Androscoggin County, stealing more than $150,000.
The Department of Health and Human Services says 54-year-old Tanya Boutelle spent the last two years establishing relationships with older people, ultimately convincing them she needed to borrow money for different scenarios.
Additionally, according to the DHHS, Boutelle is accused of stealing items from the homes of the victims.
Twelve victims have come forward. Authorities believe there may be others.
Boutelle was being investigated for welfare fraud — she is accused of receiving $3,700 in benefits, to which she was not entitled. Details of the alleged elder abuse came to light during that investigation.
The suspect has been indicted on multiple counts of theft by deception and a welfare fraud charge.
Anyone who has information or who may have been a victim in this case is asked to come forward to authorities.
