A story in Saturday’s newspaper described the sadness associated with crimes being committed against the region’s elderly.

Unfortunately, these crimes occur much more often than anyone would like.

And when they do it usually ends up with terrible results.

While some law officers treat older adult exploitation as a felony, others will look to it as a civil offense.

“No, it’s a homicide,” said Scott Teter, head of both the Elder Abuse Task Force and Financial Crimes Division for the Attorney General’s Office. “You kill their dreams. You kill their future.”

That is a strong statement Teter made to reporter Julie Riddle for the story.

In Alpena County this year Post officers already have launched seven fraud investigations of adults losing money.

If you suspect an older adult is being taken advantage of, report your concern to local law enforcement.

As Teter said in the story, abuse is “an ugly, awful thing.”

(THE ALPENA NEWS)