To neighbors, Anne-Marie Lake might have seemed like a helpful housemate to the 78-year-old man she lived with in Florida. She reportedly cooked for him, bought groceries, and managed his day-to-day life. The man, who suffers from dementia, relied on her for nearly everything, including handling his finances. But behind the walls of their shared home, something far more disturbing was allegedly taking place.
Florida authorities say Lake wasn’t a good Samaritan. She was a predator. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Lake is now facing serious charges after allegedly using violence and manipulation to exploit the elderly man for over ten years, according to Local 10 News.
Deputies say she would punch him if he didn’t sign monthly checks $800 at a time, and controlled every cent of his limited income. The abuse reportedly began in 2013, with the victim telling deputies that he was hit often but didn’t want to get her in trouble. He even admitted to provoking her just to be moved somewhere safer.
A Decade of Financial Exploitation Leaves Elderly Florida Man Broke And Terrified
Deputies discovered visible injuries on the man’s hands, which he claimed were from repeated strikes by Lake. He also told investigators she would hit him for not cleaning correctly, take his phone, and withhold access to his own money. Even more chilling. He admits he stopped fighting back because he was tired of being hurt.
The man’s only income was $987 a month from Social Security, and according to investigators, Lake took full control of it. She began allegedly using his checkbook and food stamp card for her benefit. Over the years, authorities say she exploited him for roughly $118,440, all without any legal authority or power of attorney.
When questioned, Lake reportedly admitted to taking his finances into her own hands. She claims it was necessary due to his dementia. She also admitted to hitting him once. Though she tried to justify it by blaming his behavior, claiming he looked down her shirt.
“What she did was cruel, exploiting someone so vulnerable for her gain. Justice can’t come soon enough,” writes one commenter.
“I agree, they need to LOCK ‘ER UP!” adds another.
Anne-Marie Lake, 61, was arrested at the Florida home they shared and booked on charges of elderly exploitation and battery on a person 65 or older. She was later released on $5,000 bond.
Sabrina Russell 
Hunter Spears 
Nina Franklin 
