Texas Jury Delivers Justice for Elderly Widow, Finds Retired Cop Guilty of Financial Exploitation 

A Bastrop County jury has delivered a scathing verdict of $1,001,489 against retired Bastrop police officer, Patrick Amy, for financially exploiting an 81-year-old widow. The civil case, which began on August 12 in the 423rd District Court, revealed a disturbing abuse of power and position by Amy, who took advantage of a vulnerable elderly woman. [NO URL]

Background:

• In 2016, Amy met the widow, a volunteer in the Citizens on Patrol program. He insidiously ingratiated himself with her, preying on her recent loss and loneliness.
• Amy manipulated the woman into purchasing a smaller home near his own residence in Circle D Estates, a clear indication of his calculated moves to isolate and control her.
• The woman had loaned Amy $125,000 to purchase his home, a transaction that should have been a simple debt agreement but became a tool for Amy's exploitation.

Financial Manipulation:

• The widow paid off the $125,000 loan in February 2016, yet Amy's greed knew no bounds as evidenced by additional checks written to him by the woman, totaling $16,100 before December 2017.
• In a shocking display of brazen manipulation, Amy drafted a power of attorney agreement, which the woman signed over to him in December 2017, giving him complete control over her financial assets.
• With this power, Amy released the deed of trust on his home and prepared a quitclaim deed to himself for the woman's nearby home, essentially rendering her homeless and at his mercy.

Health Neglect and Exploitation:

• In May 2018, Amy and his wife, Ruth, a 911 dispatcher, had the woman hospitalized, where she was diagnosed with dementia and placed in a nursing home.
• The Amys then proceeded to empty her house, selling valuable possessions and donating the rest, with no regard for the woman's wishes or well-being.
• The sale of a $12,000 dining room set, with no receipts provided, and the promise to use the proceeds for her nursing home bill, showcases their blatant disregard for her dignity and their profit-driven motives.

Jury Verdict:

• The jury's verdict, which included actual and exemplary damages, sent a clear message that preying on the vulnerable will not be tolerated.
• Despite Amy's attorney, Joe Hernandez, claiming a lack of evidence, the jury saw through the manipulative tactics and delivered a rightful punishment.
• This case serves as a stark reminder that justice can and will be served, even if it takes time. The financial compensation won't undo the emotional trauma inflicted on the widow, but it sends a powerful message to others who would dare exploit the elderly. 

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