Blumenthal Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Crimes Targeting Seniors
[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in introducing comprehensive legislation to combat the abuse and exploitation of America’s seniors. The bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act expands education, prevention and prosecution tools to reduce crimes against seniors and to bring perpetrators to justice.
A portion of the bill is named for Robert Matava, a Unionville veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was defrauded and turned out of his own home by his son, who he had entrusted with his assets. Matava passed away in 2011 at the age of 90.
“Robert Matava was a national hero, one of the greatest of the great generation. He deserved the utmost respect and care during his senior years. Instead—in a tragedy all too common across our country—he was defrauded by those he trusted the most. By raising awareness, improving prevention and increasing prosecution, this bipartisan legislation will help combat the unconscionable scourge of elder abuse nationwide,” Blumenthal said.
While financial exploitation is on the rise, and is expected to increase further as more Americans age, the Justice Department has admitted that prosecution of such crimes “remains relatively uncommon.” An estimated six million Americans over the age of 60 fall victim to abuse or exploitation each year, and many of those crimes go unreported. Financial crimes targeting seniors robs them of at least $2.9 billion annually. Half of all dementia patients will experience some form of abuse or neglect, and elderly victims of such physical or emotional abuse are three times more likely to die earlier than peers who are not abused.
The Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (S. 3270) expands data collection and information sharing to better prevent and respond to all forms of elder abuse and exploitation, including financial crimes against seniors. Specifically, the bill increases training for federal investigators and prosecutors and equips each judicial district with at least one prosecutor having expertise with elder abuse cases. It also establishes an elder justice coordinator within the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Further, the bill improves information sharing among government agencies and between federal, state and local authorities to develop best practices in the fight against elder financial exploitation. Finally, the bill increases penalties for perpetrators of such crimes – including mandatory forfeiture – to deter future offences. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL.) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
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