On Wednesday, Aug. 29, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested James Brumfield, 20, a resident of Crape Myrtle Road in Franklinton, on a charge of theft. The arrest came as a result of an investigation into bank cards that had been stolen from an elderly victim, according to WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley.

Haley said that Brumfield was employed as a sitter for the elderly woman to assist as she was convalescing at home. Instead of being a loyal paid sitter who was trusted to care for the elderly lady, he instead took advantage of her to obtain bank cards and steal more than $5,000 from her bank account, Haley said.

Brumfield was jailed on Aug. 29 on the theft charge and released the following day after posting bond in the amount of $8,500.

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal commented on Brumfield’s arrest.

“It is hard to find words to adequately describe someone who steals from an elderly victim who is depending on that person for assistance,” Seal said. “Such an act greatly exceeds the bounds of decency. I am pleased he was arrested and I hope the judicial system will deal with him appropriately.”