Mother, Daughter accused of exploiting vulnerable family member

Sumter Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Deputies with the Sumter Co. Sheriff’s Office say a mother and her daughter are accused of exploiting a vulnerable relative in their care.

Deputies say they were contacted by the Dept. of Social Services on April 8, 2024 accusing Sally Houser of taking a large sum of money from the victim who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

According to deputies, further investigation revealed Houser knew about the victim’s condition and withdrew tens of thousands of dollars from her bank account.

Deputies say Stephanie Evans, Houser’s daughter, accepted tens of thousands from the victim and had the victim sign documents stating that the money was a gift.

“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,” said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “It is especially grievous when the weak and defenseless are mistreated,” he added.

Houser and Evans were both arrested and taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.