Two arrested for exploiting the elderly

Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw reported to the local St. Johns County news desk that two Putnam County residents were arrested early Thursday morning in Palatka on outstanding warrants for allegedly exploiting the elderly.

Historic City News has learned that 24 year-old Tyler Lynn Smith, whose address was reported as 323 Downhill Trail in Satsuma, and 35 year-old Latonya Taylor (Lynn) Johnston have been charged with exploitation of the elderly involving less than $20,000.

The two suspects, who claimed to be employed by T & T Tree Service, encouraged elderly residents to have trees removed from their residences, according to Kelshaw’s report.

In one of the cases, the victim, a 94-year old resident of St. Augustine Shores, stated that the two came to her in December, and allegedly, by using deception, made the victim believe that there were trees in her yard that urgently needed to be removed.

As a result, four trees near the roadway were removed in a hurried fashion; leaving jagged cuts and stumps in the yard. The victim says Smith and Johnston charged her $900 for the shoddy work.

Kelshaw says that the suspects encouraged other elderly residents to have trees removed from their properties and two additional counts of occupational license violations are pending.

Smith is being held in St. Johns County jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond. Johnston is being held without bond.