Marshall County (trfnews.i234.me) — A disturbing case of elder financial exploitation has emerged in Marshall County, MN, where Hollie Baker-Walseth, 78, has been charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing over $292,000 from an elderly man for whom she was serving as power of attorney.
Key Details:
- 997 unauthorized transactions recorded from August 2021 – June 2024
- Money used at casinos and for personal expenses
- Victim suffers from dementia and signed over power of attorney
- Baker-Walseth demanded additional payments, claiming financial distress
- Investigation launched after family friend reported suspicious activity
How It Unfolded:
Authorities say Baker-Walseth withdrew large sums of money, including multiple transactions at casinos. A family friend who purchased land from the victim was later pressured for more money, despite already paying $200,000.
Suspicious Activity Uncovered:
- Victim’s brother found a notebook with fabricated claims of threats against Baker-Walseth
- Bank statements showed alarming spending patterns
- Victim confronted Baker-Walseth, leading to her alleged admission that she had a “problem”
Financial Devastation:
Investigators found nearly $500,000 in total suspicious transactions, but only $292,293.41 was documented as unauthorized.
What Happens Next?
Baker-Walseth declined to speak with deputies and is awaiting court proceedings in Marshall County District Court.
Did you know?
- Elder financial fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S.
- Felony theft of over $100,000 in Minnesota can lead to up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Power of attorney abuse is a leading cause of financial loss for elderly individuals.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News