HAMILTON COUNTY, TX — A man has been arrested for allegedly exploiting $50,000 from an elderly family member for personal gain.
In September 2019, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office received a report of possible elderly exploitation. Hamilton County Criminal Investigators immediately opened an investigation into the allegations and contacted Adults Protective Services.
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Joe Hengst had exploited funds from an elderly family member and used those funds for personal gain. The elderly woman was previously deemed medically incapable to take care of herself.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says Hengst diverted just over $50,000 for personal benefit.
On February 26, 2020, members of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office along with the Texas Rangers executed a search warrant on a home located on FM-218. Fifty five-year-old Joe Edward Hengst of Hamilton was arrested and charged with exploitation of the elderly or disabled, a third degree felony.
The elderly woman was transported to Hamilton General Hospital for medical evaluation. She was later released to another relative.
