Missoula Man Accused of Taking Money From Elderly Neighbor

A 55-year-old Missoula man has been accused of taking money from his elderly neighbor and spending it on gambling and drinking.

Jeffery Dean Poole faces felony charges of exploiting an older person and tampering with a witness.

Prosecutors accuse Poole of taking nearly $10,000 from a woman who suffers from dementia over a period of several months while acting as her power of attorney.

Poole denied many of the allegations during an interview with investigators, saying any money involved was to pay expenses for maintenance, repairs and purchases he did for her.

Poole has posted a $5,000 bond and remains free.