Wenona Victoria Meachum of Big Horn County was ordered to pay $82,770 in restitution after transferring money from her grandfather’s accounts into accounts under her name.

Meachum had signed a Power of Attorney allowing her to oversee her grandfather’s finances and become a co-owner. The agreement barred her from using the arrangement for personal financial gain.

Authorities identified 86 online transfers made between December 2018 and November 2020. The money went to checking, savings and mortgage accounts in Meachum’s name. She agreed to the restitution order.

Montana law allows a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for as long as 10 years, or both, for exploitation of an older person, an incapacitated person or a person with a developmental disability. The available information does not state whether Meachum will serve jail or prison time.

Officials said suspected financial exploitation of an elderly person can be reported by calling 406-444-3874.