More Than $90,000 Stolen in Less Than 18 Months

Decatur, Ga.- A man convicted of stealing more than $90,000 from his elderly aunt has been sentenced to ten years to serve one year in prison, with the balance on probation. He was also ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution. 41-year-old Dwaine Jervis was sentenced by DeKalb Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie on Thursday, April 21, 2022 following his conviction on November 5, 2021. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on charges of Exploitation of an Elder Person, Theft by Taking by a Fiduciary, and Theft by Taking in connection with the exploitation of Elfreda Henry, now 91 years old.

The exploitation began in 2016 when Ms. Henry sold her home in New York after her husband died. Her grand-nephew, Defendant Jervis, reached out and convinced her to move to Georgia to live with him and his wife. Ms. Henry added Jervis’ name to her bank accounts and he quickly began withdrawing her money, stealing more than $90,000 in less than 18 months.

On August 31, 2017, Chase Bank froze Ms. Henry’s account due to frequent withdrawals and reported the activity to Adult Protective Services as possible elder abuse. Police initially had trouble locating Ms. Henry. She was eventually found living with a family friend and told police that Defendant Jervis had suddenly moved out of her prior residence, leaving her alone. 

Defendant Jervis represented himself at trial, where he testified that he withdrew the funds, in part, to purchase a house for Ms. Henry in Jamaica. However, Mr. Jervis did not provide any documentation to support that claim. He admitted at trial that if the account had not been frozen, he likely would have continued to spend the victim’s money.

According to the terms of his sentencing, Jervis is also prohibited from contacting Ms. Henry, visiting her residence, and possessing a firearm.  

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief ADA Jeanne Canavan of the Crimes Against Elder Persons & Adults with Disabilities Unit, with assistance from Senior ADA Franklin Engram, DA Investigator Charles Maupin, and Victim Advocate Tina Williamson. Detective Kim of the DeKalb County Police Department led the initial investigation.