STARKVILLE – A husband and wife were arrested Tuesday for financially exploiting a vulnerable adult relative, a Starkville Police Department press release said.
Thomas Watts, 46, and Kimberly Watts, 43, both of Starkville, are each charged with two felony counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one felony count of possession of a controlled substance.
Kimberly Watts was also charged with possession of a weapon by a felon.
The alleged exploitation occurred during August and September against a relative of both suspects. The investigation led to the discovery of additional offenses, which resulted in the drugs and weapon charges.
Public Information Officer Sgt. Brandon Lovelady said the alleged exploitation was reported last week. While he did not specify the amount of money involved, to qualify as a felony offense, the value of the exploitation must be at least $250, according to state statute.
Both suspects are being held in the Oktibbeha County Jail awaiting their initial appearance in court.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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