A Bettendorf man has been arrested after allegedly using his disabled sibling’s credit card without permission to fund his online gambling habit. The man, whose name has not been released by authorities, was taken into custody following a joint investigation by local law enforcement and the victim’s family.
According to reports, the disabled sibling, who relies on the assistance of their caretaker for daily tasks, discovered several unauthorized charges on their credit card statement. The caretaker immediately contacted authorities and the investigation was launched.
It was soon determined that the charges were related to online gambling websites, with thousands of dollars being spent on virtual slot machines, poker games, and sports betting. The disabled sibling, who had no knowledge of the transactions, was left in a vulnerable financial situation due to the exploitation by their own brother.
“This is a particularly troubling case of financial abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable adult,” said Detective John Smith of the Bettendorf Police Department. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone take advantage of their own family member in such a deceitful manner.”
The suspect was located and arrested at his residence in Bettendorf, where evidence of the unauthorized transactions was found on his electronic devices. He is facing multiple charges, including financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, identity theft, and fraud.
The victim’s family released a statement expressing their shock and disappointment at the betrayal by the suspect. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding the financial assets of vulnerable individuals and encouraged others to remain vigilant against financial exploitation.
“This incident has been a wake-up call for our family,” said the victim’s sibling. “We want to ensure that no one else falls victim to such deceit and manipulation. We urge everyone to monitor their loved ones’ finances closely and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
The suspect is currently in custody at the Bettendorf Police Department and is awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face significant jail time and financial penalties for his actions. The victim’s family is seeking restitution for the stolen funds and justice for the exploitation of their disabled loved one.