Mother and son facing charges for allegedly stealing thousands from 93-year-old neighbor

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - A mother and son are facing criminal charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from their elderly neighbor.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy says seniors are vulnerable and often targeted by those looking to take advantage of their age and willingness to trust others.

On Monday, she announced charges against 33-year-old Terrence Lee Stephens and 55-year-old Barbara Annette Stephens, a mother and son whom police say fleeced thousands of dollars from their 93-year-old neighbor who recently moved to an assisted living facility.

"The investigation revealed that both Barbara Stephens and Terrance Stephens stole money from a bank account of the victim and paid their phone bills, utility bills and other bills without the permission of the victim between October 2018 and March 2019," said Braveboy.

Braveboy says a family member noticed the scheme while reviewing the victim's bank accounts and called the cops. A grand jury indicted the mother and son on charges of theft over $1,500. If convicted, both face more than a year behind bars.

Braveboy says she knows fraud against seniors is a problem because victims may be embarrassed or feel what happened to them is their fault. She says her office is sending a message: if you prey upon the vulnerable -- they're coming after you.