OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- The owner of multiple group homes in Opelousas is charged with extortion of one of her clients, authorities said.
Monette Andrea Ford, 57, of Opelousas, is accused of using her influence to gain access to the client's bank account and food benefit card, as well as controlling her mail.
Detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Elderly Abuse Division spoke with the victim who said she was living in a group home at 515 S. Main Street, Opelousas, and in the past, has lived at 531 Brignac Lane in Opelousas. Both homes were operated by Ford, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
"One of the conditions of living in the homes was for Monette Ford to have access and control over everything at the group home, including all mail received by the resident,” Guidroz said.
Investigators said the victim agreed to pay $600 a month to live in the home, and the victim was coerced to add Ford to the banking account. The victim ordered a new debit card and attempted to change it multiple times to deny access to Ford, but the victim never received the cards due to Ford having control of the mail, officials said.
Ford allegedly used the client's debit card and take money without permission. Within the year that the victim has lived in the home, Ford has taken approximately $3,600, in addition to the agreed $600 per month, and has refused to return it, authorities said.
The victim also said Ford was in possession of her food benefit card and does not allow the victim to have it, according to investigators.
Detectives said Ford admitted that the homes the victim occupied were independent group homes and the victim paid $700 in rent. She also admitted to serving as the victim’s caregiver and controls her spending with all cash and food benefits.
Ford was taken to the St. Landry Parish Jail June 11 and charged with extortion. Her bond was set at $5,000.
