South Dakota man pleads guilty to stealing from elderly relative

A 21-year-old Florence man has pleaded guilty to charges of elder financial abuse in two counties in northeast South Dakota.

Brett Joseph Moffenbier pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft in Codington County, along with counts of grand theft and forgery in Brown County, according to Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Jackley said Moffenbier stole an elderly relative’s checkbook and spent $187,025.84 throughout four different counties in South Dakota. Moffenbier obtained cash, vehicles, and other items with this money.

After returning several items, Moffenbier will be responsible for restitution in the amount of $16,435.51.

Moffenbier received several concurrent jail sentences, amounting to a total of seven years in prison at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.