CLAYTON – A Johnston County man is accused of exploiting thousands of dollars from his disabled mother.
Norman Shane Poole, 52, of Barber Mill Road, Clayton was arrested August 29 and charged with felony exploitation.
In July 2024, the Johnston County Department of Social Services notified the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office of financial irregularities in the bank account of a 79 year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s and other medical issues.
The victim’s son, Norman Shane Poole, had power of attorney for his mother and also had access to her bank account.
According to law enforcement authorities and public court records, the victim’s husband passed away in August 2023 and another son died in April 2024.
The 79 year-old widow had two live-in caretakers to tend to her needs.
Norman Poole, who is not employed, moved in with his mother and became her power of attorney with access to her bank account.
In September 2023, the victim had $106,998.62 in her bank account. In June 2024 the amount was $4,725.20, even with monthly income from a pension and social security.
Court documents revealed multiple withdrawals from the victim’s account, in excess of 60 per month including some of state, even though she was unable to make them because of her medical condition.
A public record revealed the victim receives “exceptional care” from her two caretakers and is well-groomed and visits her doctors regularly, and takes medication as prescribed. “However, she is unable to manage her finances and is unaware if she is being exploited,” the report stated.
Mr. Poole was reportedly unable to explain or provide receipts for $89,284.85 he withdrew from his mother’s account.
In July 2024, the court appointed a Smithfield attorney as interim guardian of the disabled woman and ordered Norman Poole to refrain from using his power of attorney.
Warrants accuse Norman Poole of stealing $89,284.85 from his disabled mother since he became her power of attorney.
Poole was held under a $40,000 secured bond and granted a court-appointed defense attorney.
