S.C. mother and daughter allegedly stole thousands from relative with Parkinson’s disease, dementia

SUMTER, S.C. (TCD) -- A 65-year-old mother and her 40-year-old daughter have been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a vulnerable relative who was in their care.

The Department of Social Services alerted the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office on April 8 after they learned Sally Houser allegedly stole a "large sum of money" from her relative. The victim reportedly suffers from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Further investigation revealed that between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 31, Houser, the victim’s caregiver, allegedly "had the victim sign documents even though she knew the victim’s medical condition." The sheriff’s office alleges Houser took tens of thousands of dollars from her relative’s bank account.

Houser’s daughter, Stephanie Evans, also reportedly exploited the family member and "accepted tens of thousands of dollars from the victim." She then allegedly had the relative sign documents to signify it was a gift.

Deputies took Houser and Evans into custody on May 21 and they were booked into the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center on a charge of exploitation of a vulnerable adult. They were released after posting $20,000 bond each, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said, "This victim suffers from dementia and depends on relatives to look out for their best interest. Instead of protecting their relative, Houser and Evans took advantage of them."