DELAND, Fla. — A man and a woman in Volusia County were arrested after police say they scammed a U.S. Coast Guard veteran out of more than $50,000 to fund a drug habit.
Deland police say officers were contacted by the Veterans Crisis Center because an elderly man said he no longer wanted to live because he had no money left in his bank account.
When police made contact with the 82-year-old veteran, officers learned that Jessica Henry, 31, and Gregory Dushan, 28, had taken more than $50,000 in money and property from the veteran.
Detectives say the veteran met Henry about three years ago and gave her money to feed her children and for transportation to get them to school.
About six months ago, detectives say Henry told the veteran she had been arrested and needed money to pay for a urine test. Then, a man (Dushan) got on the phone and demanded money for probation costs, detectives say.
The veteran told officers that Dushan would call him and demand $150-$1,000 every day. The veteran also said Dushan threatened him with jail time and said he would take the man's vehicle away.
Detectives say the veteran gave Henry his vehicle, but it has since been recovered.
Detectives say both Dushan and Henry "intentionally coerced and deliberately deceived" the veteran and made him deplete his bank account to "support their drug habit," according to a news release. When the veteran told the bank about his account's negative balance, he said he wanted to die by suicide "because he felt this was his only solution."
Officers say Dushan and Henry spent more than $500 per day of the veteran's money to support their drug use.
Dushan and Henry were charged with exploitation of an elderly person between the amounts of $20,000 and $100,000. Dushan also faces a charge of impersonating a correction/probation officer.
Police said the victim also told detectives he received death threats before Dushan's arrest. The victim said he was told he needed to drop the charges on Henry or "he would be killed in a half-hour," the release said.
Police said additional charges could be filed.
Dushan and Henry were taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
RESOURCE: American Psychological Association: How to choose a therapist and tips for navigating the price
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