Charges against a Palmerton woman have been held for court in a case of financial exploitation of an older adult.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Justin Swartz of the Pennsylvania State Police - Lehighton barracks in the case against Cheryl Lewis, 39:

Swartz received a call from The Advocacy Alliance regarding a vehicle missing from the 1100 block of 57 Drive, Towamensing Township.

A caseworker for the victim said a silver Dodge Avenger was missing and she provided a VIN.

Swartz realized the vehicle she identified was in PSP Lehighton custody for a search warrant.

The vehicle registration was transferred from the victim to Lewis, 39.

The caseworker said they told Lewis on Feb. 19 that she was not allowed to drive the vehicle and that employees from The Advocacy Alliance would be returning on Feb. 28 to secure the residence.

The caseworker provided the court order that awarded guardianship to The Advocacy Alliance which had an effective date of Jan. 31. This document stated one of the victims suffered from a number of medical conditions and mental disabilities and is unable to make and communicate responsible decisions about her estate and her person.

The registration was transferred at Steel City Tags & Notary LLC in Bethlehem.

The employee said documents were signed by Lewis and the victim and dated Feb. 28.

On Feb. 6, Lewis contacted PSP Lehighton inquiring about when she would be able to retrieve the vehicle.

Lewis arrived and said that after the Dodge Avenger was towed, she wanted to transfer the titles and registration for both vehicles.

Lewis said she is aware that the victim has an altered mental status and then followed with she believed she wasn’t terrible and able to have conversations.

During a search, Swartz discovered a safety deposit key Lewis said belonged to the couple, the victim’s expired PA license, and the PA registration plate and document for the Dodge Avenger in Lewis’s name.

Lewis faces charges on two counts each of theft by unlawful taking, financial exploitation of an older adult or care-depended person, and one count of unauthorized use motor/other vehicles.

Lewis posted bail and waived charges to Carbon County court.