Carthage business owner accused of financially exploiting elderly victim
A Carthage businesswoman is charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly woman.
Court documents allege that 46-year-old Wendy Beth Harris took $270,000 from the 70+ year-old victim’s checking and savings account in the form of checks that were written to Wendy Harris and Harris Renovations.
Harris also allegedly opened a Lowe’s credit card and purchased more than $90,000 under the name of Jane Platt. At this time, she allegedly was the power of attorney for Jane Platt.
Wendy Harris and Harris Renovations LLC then used the items purchased from Lowe’s to complete construction and renovation jobs for other paying clients.
Authorities say the crimes took place between January 1, 2022 and January 1, 2025.
When detectives asked to speak with her, she declined.
Harris now faces three felony counts, including:
- Financial Exploitation Of An Elder/Disabled Person
- Stealing – $25,000 Or More/Teller Machine Or Contents
- Fraudulent Use Of Credit/Debit Device
No hearings have been scheduled just yet