LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2024) — After a thorough inquiry conducted by the Special Victims Unit of the Broward Sheriffs Office detectives apprehended two people on Tuesday for taking advantage of an adult and embezzling around $71k from her.

According to the investigators findings reported by the authorities and law enforcement officials in charge of the case file Bob Ely aged 61 and Diane Cooper aged 52 were allegedly involved in a plan that spanned across multiple weeks and centered around a woman they encountered at an establishment located in the vicinity of 4800 West Oakland Park Boulevard area in question. The detectives further mentioned that Ely resorted to intimidating tactics involving threats of harm. Possibly including brandishing a firearm. To coerce the victim into withdrawing significant amounts of money from her personal bank accounts for his own gain. Additionally noted by the investigating team was Elys alleged use of funds from the victims account along, with unauthorized transactions made using her debit card that he reportedly obtained unlawfully.

BSO started looking into the accusations near the end of July after receiving a tip regarding Ely and Coopers behavior. In the weeks investigators collaborated with the victim to compile evidence leading to arrest warrants being issued for Ely and Cooper on Thursday August 29th. Subsequently on Tuesday September 3rd investigators apprehended Ely and Cooper during a meeting, between Ely and his probation officer.
Both individuals are accused of taking advantage of an adult and committing serious crimes such as theft and fraud together with misusing personal identification information unlawfully.

In addition to these charges Ely is also being charged with a crime involving a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, as a person previously convicted of a crime and violating probation terms.