San Andreas, CA…In three days, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office received three calls for service involving elder abuse. On September 7th Donald David Nicholson (53 years old, Burson) was arrested for felony elder abuse, and September 8th Shawn Christopher Anderson (43 years old San Andreas) was arrested for felony elder abuse. Both are in the Calaveras County jail with a $50,000.00 bail. The third investigation was on September 8th in Valley Springs. The investigation is ongoing, and it is believed the suspect left the county once he learned law enforcement was investigating the abuse.

Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. Elder abuse can consist of emotional, physical, or financial abuse. Often times, the victim is related or knows the suspect, and many times the crimes go unreported due to fear of retaliation, perceived shame in regards to the abuse, and fear of loss of independence.

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves a form of force to cause unnecessary injury or pain on a person. This can be anything from severe beatings to rope or chain restraining, for example. Other forms of physical abuse include but are not limited to pushing, pinching, shoving, burning, biting, drowning, and kicking. Physical abuse can be unintentional — someone may intend to help the elder, but the behavior can still be considered abusive if the action(s) taken embody any of the above. Last but not least, the inappropriate use of medications and physical restraints can also be regarded as physical abuse.

Signs of Physical Abuse
Bruise marks anywhere on the body
Rope marks on wrists and/or ankles
Refusal to seek medical help for injuries
Nonchalant attitude towards any of these injuries when confronted about them

Verbal/Mental Abuse
In addition to physical abuse, elder abuse can take a verbal form, which can be mentally disturbing to the victimized individual. Some forms of verbal abuse include name-calling or giving the silent treatment to either intimidate or cause distress for someone. It can also take the form of cursing, yelling, or making insulting remarks. When a caregiver, family member, or even a stranger behaves in any of the above ways to cause mental anguish to an elder, it can be considered abusive. If an elderly person feels that they are being isolated or treated like a child through threats or manipulative behavior, they can also feel emotionally abused.

Signs of Verbal Abuse
Isolated personality
Odd changes in behavior
Unresponsive and doesn’t like to communicate with others
Unreasonably suspicious or fearful of everyday things
Lack of interest for social interaction

Financial Abuse
If an elderly person does not take full responsibility and aware of their financial situation, they are more susceptible to exploitation. This can range from the inappropriate use of the older person’s funds to the act of denying the individual from accessing his or her funds or home. Fraud, forgery, forced property transfers, or the act of purchasing expensive items with the elder’s money without his or her knowledge are also examples of financial abuse. Financial abuse can also take place on the telephone or face-to-face in the form of solicitation. For example, salespeople or so-called friends can perpetrate scams for home repair services, health-related services, and other things that an elderly may need and be inclined to buy into.

Signs of Financial Abuse
Unusual ATM activity
Large withdrawals from bank accounts
Signatures on checks do not match up with the signature of the elder
The elder’s life circumstances do not match up with his or her financial assets
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to urge anyone to call the police or 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger. If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please call 209-754-6500 or the anonymous tip line at 209-754-6030.