A 49-year-old Silver Springs woman who became an elderly man’s power of attorney is facing a felony theft charge after she allegedly stole over $5,800 from him over a six-week period.

On June 12, 2024, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a relative of the elderly male victim who advised that the victim’s former power of attorney, identified as Bridget Murphy Hofacker, had “taken advantage” of him, according to the arrest report.

The deputy then spoke with the victim who stated that after his wife passed away from cancer, Hofacker began helping him by doing work outside the home, such as mowing the lawn. He would pay her around $30 to $50 a week, depending on how long she worked.

The victim told the deputy that he had become “very depressed” after his wife’s death, and he did not want to bother his relatives with his financial responsibilities. According to the victim’s statement, Hofacker offered to become his power of attorney, and he agreed because she “appeared (to be) reliable.”

The report stated that between April 29, 2024, and June 11, 2024, Hofacker allegedly took his truck “for days at a time,” depriving him of its use. She also allegedly took possession of the victim’s cellphone and answered all of his phone calls.

The victim further stated that he removed Hofacker as his power of attorney by certified letter on June 6, 2024.

During a review of his bank records, the victim stated that he discovered multiple transactions that he did not authorize, including some checks that were written from his checkbook to individuals he did not know.

An MCSO corporal noted in the report that the unauthorized transactions included a rent payment in the amount of $750; separate withdrawals in the amounts of $400, $2,000, and $2,500; an initial payment of $113.90 for a Progressive Insurance policy belonging to Hofacker; and multiple purchases from Amazon including music and Amazon Prime videos.

Upon further investigation, the corporal noted that on May 28, 2024, Hofacker had signed the victim’s name and added her name on the signature card of the victim’s checking and savings accounts, listing herself as the “attorney in fact.”

The report stated that Hofacker allegedly used the power of attorney to steal a total of $5,809.65 from the victim.

On Tuesday, September 3, Hofacker was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where she is currently being held without bond. She is being charged with exploitation of the elderly (less than $10,000).

A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.