Iowa Man Charged After Using Disabled Sibling’s Card for Gambling

Problem gambling or at-risk gambling can often push people into unlawful actions. While some may consider hiding their actual gambling expenses, others may resort to petty crimes, theft, fraud or other unlawful activities that are subject to penalties in a court of law.

In one such criminal case from Iowa, a man was arrested after using a credit card belonging to a disabled sibling. The man allegedly used the credit card to gamble online and stole close to $5,000.

The Man Faces a Couple of Charges of the Alleged Theft

The case involved a 44-year-old man identified with the initials N.C. The Bettendorf resident was arrested on Monday and is currently facing a couple of charges over the suspected theft from his sister, as announced by Local 4 News WHBF.

Following his arrest, the man was charged with financial exploitation of an older individual on a first offense, as well as second-degree theft. Currently, the 44-year-old man remains under detention at the Scott County Jail. His bond is set at $10,000 in cash only, while a preliminary hearing on his case is scheduled for next month on October 4, 2024.

In Iowa, financial exploitation of an older individual as a first offense can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen resources, benefits or property. Per Iowa Code 2024, Section 726.25, the financial exploitation of an older individual as a first offense is considered a class “D” felony “if the value of the benefits, property, resources, belongings, or assets exceeds $1,000 but does not exceed $10,000.”

On the other hand, a second-degree theft involving stolen property of more than $1,5000 but not exceeding $10,000 is also a class “D” felony. Penalties for such crimes can include prison of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000.

An Estimated $4,700 Was Stolen from the Victim by Her Brother

The man is suspected of stealing a total of $4,729.51 from his sister between May 10 this year and September 11. Allegedly, he completed 156 unauthorized transactions and used some of the money for online gambling.

As noted, the credit card the 44-year-old man used belonged to his disabled sister. The man had obtained the power of attorney for the victim due to her physical and cognitive disabilities. Reportedly, once interviewed by law enforcement, the man admitted to saving his sister’s credit card information to use for online gambling. He was trusted with the victim’s card for groceries and other expenditures.