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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 31, 2005 Couple jailed on charges of fleecing relative By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune An Eagle Point couple was in jail Friday on charges they embezzled money from a distant elderly relative after obtaining power of attorney for the man. Brian David Holmes, 33, and 34-year-old Michelle Carey-Holmes appeared in Jackson County Circuit Court Friday on two counts each of first-degree aggravated theft and criminal mistreatment. Holmes remained in jail late Friday in lieu of $30,000 bail. His wife’s bail was set at $50,000. The couple were arrested at their home Thursday after police visited the house and found the 82-year-old owner — who is bedridden — had been left alone, said Medford police Detective Sue Campbell. Investigators were attempting to serve subpoenas for the victim’s bank records and warrants for the arrest of Holmes and Carey-Holmes. Officers had already told Holmes and Carey-Holmes earlier this year that they must provide a caregiver for the man if they were away, Campbell said. Holmes said he was at work Thursday while his wife was out rafting, she added. A call from a Medford bank in April prompted the investigation of suspected theft from the victim’s account, Campbell said. After obtaining power of attorney for the man in October, Holmes and Carey-Holmes allegedly stole at least $50,000 by writing checks against the relative’s account and withdrawing cash for their own use, she said. Advertisement "His money was to be used for his care," Campbell said. "People cannot get power of attorney and spend people’s money for themselves." The case is typical of elder abuse cases, which local police investigate in increasing numbers every year, Campbell said. Bank employees typically report the crimes when they witness unusual activity on elderly clients’ accounts, the detective added. Both convicted felons, Holmes and Carey-Holmes each face two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Medford police also intend to forward more charges of theft and criminal mistreatment against the couple to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, Campbell said. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail Couple jailed on charges of fleecing relative ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback Free Music Downloads Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers dvd-r helzberg diamonds Distance Education Diamonds Online Poker Computer Security Home Equity Loans Slippers Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Canadian Pharmacy Website Design & Marketing Memory Foam Mattress w2 forms Mortgage Calculator Free Home-Loan Referrals Online Casino News Air Purifiers Advertisement s