Deputies Say Multiple People Arrested In Elder Abuse Case

Updated: Saturday, September 6, 2014 | Taisha Walker, Kaylin E. Searles, Mamie Bouy

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MADISON, W.Va. -- Several neighbors in Boone County are shocked that elder abuse was taking place on their street.
Chief Deputy Chad Barker said the victim, Sylvia Meadows, 88, suffered physical abuse and was also taken advantage of financially by her own children and grandchildren. Neighbors that live on Meadow's street in Madison, said they had reasons to believe their friend, who has dementia, was being abused over the last year. William Meadows, Elizabeth Austin, Regina Meadows, Linda Meadows and Dennis Adkins were all arrested. The charges range from abuse of an incapacitated adult to embezzlement.
"She told me she had been beaten but at the time I didn't know whether the allegations were true or false," Mark Linville, who grew up in the house beside Meadows, said.
Linville said the 88-year-old confided in him about the abuse back in 2013, and he regrets not taking her story more seriously.
"I've seen bruising on her face and contusions and she had told me she had been beaten," Linville said.
Meadows moved from England to West Virginia during World War II be with her late husband, Harry, Linville said. Deputies said the family heirlooms Meadows brought with her were stolen by the very people that were supposed to care for her.
"Taking money from an elderly lady, your grandmother is terrible," Barker said. "Physically abusing your grandmother is terrible."
The chief deputy said family members beat Meadows and left her with bite marks, bruises and a bloodied mouth. He also said they spent $70,000 of her savings, opened 20 credit cards in her name and wiped out her life savings.
"Any aspects of the case that you look in to individually are really horrible we feel," said Barker.
Meadows is now being cared for by the state.
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MADISON, W.Va. -- Boone County deputies have arrested multiple people accused of stealing from and physically abusing an elderly woman in Madison.
The investigation started a year ago when deputies say Regina Meadows and Elizabeth Austin were appointed to oversee the finances and care of their grandmother, 88-year-old Sylvia Meadows.  Deputies say the two girls spent over $70,000 of the victim’s money during the next eleven months and opened about 20 credit card accounts in the victim’s name.  They also say the girls stole additional assets, including jewelry and family heirlooms.  Deputies are still trying to track down these items and get an inventory of what was taken.
Deputies say during the investigation, they also uncovered allegations of physical abuse.  Witness told deputies they saw the victim with bite marks, bruises and a bloody nose.  Deputies also say they were told the victim’s son, William Meadows, held a gun in her hand.  He then allegedly put it to her head and told her to pull the trigger.
Cpt. David Sutphin, who is leading, said this disturbing crime is one he won’t forget.
"There are certain crimes that you investigate as a law enforcement officer that you will always remember,” Sutphin said.  “Crimes that are so disturbing it makes you wonder how a human being could act in such a way.  This is one of the very few that I will always remember.”
Deputies said they would like to thank the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office and the West Virginia State Police in Logan for their assistance in this investigation.
William Meadows, 68, of Madison, W.Va., is charged with a home confinement violation for having unauthorized contact with the victim.  He was placed on home confinement on an unrelated charge of wanton endangerment with a firearm.  He has additional charges coming in the future and is currently being held without bond in the Southwestern Regional Jail.
Elizabeth Austin, 35, of Madison, W.Va., is charged with the financial exploitation of an incapacitated person and conspiracy.  Bond was set at $80,000; she is currently held in the Southwestern Regional Jail.
Regina Gaye Meadows, 41, of Logan, W.Va., was arrested for embezzlement by misuse of power of attorney or other fiduciary and conspiracy.  Meadows is currently located in Southwestern Regional Jail awaiting arraignment.
Linda Meadows, 67, of Madison, W.Va., was arrested for abuse and neglect of an incapacitated adult.  She is in Southwestern Regional Jail awaiting arraignment.
Dennis Adkins, 35, of Charleston, W.Va. is charged with financial exploitation of an incapacitated adult and conspiracy.  She is currently out on a $100,000 surety bond.