SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane man has been charged with multiple felonies, including forgery, identity theft and theft from a vulnerable woman, after allegedly stealing financial info and personal belongings from a woman in his care.
According to court docs, the suspect Scott Cahill, 53, is facing six counts of forgery, one count of first-degree identity theft, and one count of first-degree theft from a vulnerable adult, according to court documents filed by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators allege that on Oct. 2, Cahill knowingly falsified financial documents, used another person’s financial information without permission and stole more than $5,000 from a woman with physical and cognitive limitations.
According to the affidavit, the woman told investigators she allowed Cahill and his girlfriend to live in a trailer on her property in exchange for help with household tasks and caregiving. She said Cahill agreed to help her due to her mobility and health issues.
Court docs said that the woman was hospitalized in October and spent several weeks in a care facility. Upon returning home, she discovered her purse — containing her identification, credit cards and other personal items — was missing, along with a security box that held banking and investment account info.
Court docs said that neighbors helped her get a new phone and access her bank account, where she found unauthorized transactions and a credit card bill showing charges of approximately $12,000.
When she confronted Cahill about the missing items, he allegedly told her the purse had been destroyed by dogs. He refused to return financial documents and claimed she was “not competent,” according to the affidavit.
Court docs state the woman has physical limitations, including balance and memory issues stemming from a stroke. She also requires medication for anxiety and high blood pressure and is unable to drive.
Cahill was booked into the Spokane County Jail, he made his first court appearance on Wednesday where his bond was set at $50,000, and will have an arraignment hearing on Jan. 22.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
