Man Stole Thousands From 92-Year-Old Woman, Authorities Say

A man is accused of stealing several thousand dollars' worth of household items and jewelry from a 92-year-old Sarasota woman who had hired him to do yard work and odd jobs around her home.

It's the 20th time Joseph Schum, 45, has been arrested for similar crimes, as well as burglary, aggravated assault and possession of crack cocaine, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

A few months after hiring him, the victim realized she was missing numerous items, including “International” sterling silver dinnerware, “Minton” china, a gold necklace with a rare silver Spanish coin and possibly cash, sheriff's spokesperson Wendy Rose said.

Detectives learned Schum, whose last known address was in the 2900 block of Bougainvillea Street, had pawned some of these items in January and February of this year.

He was arrested Thursday and charged with exploitation of the elderly, as well as three counts each of dealing in stolen property and providing false ownership information to a pawn broker.

He was being held without bond on two charges and $150,000 bond on the remaining counts.

The arrest came a day before World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The incident "exemplifies the importance of ensuring that elderly friends and family members have oversight and protection of their personal and financial affairs," Rose said in a media release.

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