Charles City Man, Waverly Woman Accused of Financially Exploiting Elderly Victims

A Northeast Iowa man and woman are facing felony charges after they were accused of exploiting elderly victims out of almost $40,000.

The Waverly Police Department (WPD) arrested 49-year-old Renee Owens of Waverly and 27-year-old Jonathon Owens of Charles City in connection to an investigation that determined two older Waverly residents lost more than $38,000. Both suspects lived in Waverly at the time of the alleged crimes.

According to criminal complaints, the Owens abused power of attorney rights over the two individuals between May of last year through March of this year. During that 11-month period, the Waverly victims’ purchase history skyrocketed by 300%.

WPD investigators say Renee spent more than $34,000 on streaming subscriptions, gas, online gaming, TikTok Shop, various bills, camping, vehicle repairs, retail shopping and cash withdrawals.

Jonathon is accused of spending more than $4,000 of the victim’s money on online gaming, veterinary bills and vehicle repairs.

WPD says they interviewed Renee and Jonathon, who allegedly told officers they were not acting in the best interest of the victims.

Because of the level of her allegedly fraudulent expenses,  Renee Owens’ charge of financial exploitation of an older individual is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison and maximum $100,000 fines. She is being held at the Bremer County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Jonathon Owens’ charge is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of more than $10,000. 

Court records show he posted a $5,000 bond to be released from the Bremer County Jail.

No other court proceedings are scheduled for either suspect.