The Elder Abuse Unit of the New York County District Attorney's Office addresses the needs and concerns of older crime victims who live in Manhattan. In cooperation with the New York City Police Department, Adult Protective Services (“APS”), the New York City Department for the Aging, medical professionals and social service agencies, the Office investigates and prosecutes all kinds of crime involving elderly victims.
What is Elder Abuse?
This Office defines elder abuse as any crime or violation involving a victim who is 60 years of age or older. Examples of typical crimes committed against the elderly include:
- Domestic abuse or neglect at the hands of a family member or caregiver;
- Financial exploitation committed by a family member or relative, home aide, stranger or “professional;”
- Abuse of a power of attorney by someone entrusted to act as a fiduciary;
- Virtual eviction by drug dealers who haven’t taken over an elderly person's residence or building
How to get help:
If you are a senior who has been the victim of a crime, or you know a senior citizen who has been abused or exploited, please contact the New York County District Attorney's Office Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007.
The services we provide include:
- Investigation and prosecution of crimes against the elderly, including physical abuse and financial exploitation;
- Assistance in obtaining an Order of Protection and emergency housing, in appropriate cases;
- A consultation with the Elder Abuse Unit Coordinator in order to determine whether a criminal investigation and prosecution is warranted;
- Social service referrals to agencies that provide a variety of services to seniors;
- Review by the Narcotics Eviction Program for possible evictions of drug dealers from a senior's residential or commercial premises
Important Telephone Numbers
If a senior citizen has been physically abused or is in danger, call 911 immediately.
Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Elder Abuse Unit 212-335-8920
NYC Adult Protective Services (“APS”) 212-630-1853
NYC Department for the Aging Elderly Crime Victims’ Program 212-442-3103
Elder Abuse Scenarios
John needed cash to support a raging drug habit. He beat up his elderly father when his demands for money were refused. John told the police that his parents would never press charges. John was convicted of a felony and received a state-time sentence. His older parents receive counseling set up by the Unit.
Jane was a home aide for a 98-year-old woman suffering from dementia. When the victim’s daughter discovered that her mother’s account was missing $30,000, she called the Unit to investigate. Jane had forged several of the victim’s checks, and used a credit card to make extravagant purchases. She confessed to an elder abuse detective and was arrested. Jane was convicted, went to prison and was ordered to make restitution to the victim’s estate after she passed away.
Evelyn became her elderly sister’s power of attorney (POA) after she became gravely ill and required surgery. Evelyn was directed to use the POA to pay her widowed sister’s rent while she was hospitalized. The victim later learned, upon her discharge, that Evelyn exploited the POA to withdraw the victim’s money and gamble away her life savings in Atlantic City. Evelyn was convicted and ordered to make restitution as a condition of sentence.
Jane Smith’s neighbor may have saved her life. He became alarmed when he saw Jane’s son treating her roughly. As it turned out, the teller at Jane’s bank was also worried. He noticed recent withdrawals from Jane’s savings account that were out of the ordinary. Jane was lucky. Her neighbor contacted law enforcement and the abuse and exploitation ended.
Elder Abuse Cases
April 30, 2012
Defendant indicted for stealing more than $1.6 million from 85-year old woman
March 12, 2012
Kentrel Whitaker sentenced to 22 years in prison for attempting to rape 73-year-old woman
May 24, 2011
District Attorney Vance announces sentencing in nursing home sex abuse case
November 18, 2010
District Attorney Vance announces 64-count indictment in elder abuse case
February 18, 2010
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