Laurel woman pleads guilty in elder abuse case

WAYNE — A Laurel woman accused of using a credit card without permission has pleaded guilty to some charges as part of a plea agreement.

Teri Fettig, 39, pleaded guilty to intentional abuse of a vulnerable adult, a felony, and unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, a misdemeanor. A third charge against her was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Fettig worked as a medication aide at Wayne assisted living facility and used an elderly resident’s credit card without her permission. Fraudulent transactions occurred on a dozen occasions at businesses in Wayne.

According to court documents, Fettig told police that the resident had given her permission to use the card to purchase items. However, the resident and power of attorney denied this claim. Through the investigation, law enforcement learned oftentimes, an employee may go with a resident to purchase items but it is very rare for an employee to purchase items alone and for transaction amounts to be more than $50. Law enforcement were able to obtain surveillance video, which allegedly shows Fettig making purchases.

The county attorney’s office stated they would not oppose a concurrent sentence in Fettig’s case. However, the court is not bound by the plea agreement and can sentence Fettig under the range of possible penalties — up to three years in prison for the felony and up to one year in prison for the misdemeanor. There is no minimum penalty for her crimes.

Fettig is to be sentenced in October.