Recently, co-defendants Heather Collins, 36, Tazewell, and Roger Loop, 43, Tazewell, pled guilty in Claiborne County Criminal Court to Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, a class B Felony.
Eighth Judicial District Criminal Court Judge E. Shayne Sexton sentenced both defendants to serve 7.2 years in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction.
This case was investigated by Chief Jeremy Myers of the Tazewell Police Department and was assisted by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Division. Assistant District Attorney General Graham E. Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the State of Tennessee.
Eighth Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler stated: “Cases like this highlight the need for strong prosecutions in order to deter abuse and exploitation of our most vulnerable citizens. We appreciate the great work of our law enforcement and state government partners that resulted in a successful prosecution of this case.”
Tennessee state law requires reporting of suspected abuse of an elderly or vulnerable adult. To report, call 1-888-APS-TENN (277-8366) or visit https://reportadultabuse.dhs.tn.gov/.