Kristine Hughey faces multiple charges, including forgery and theft, for allegedly exploiting a 96-year-old woman with dementia in Lewis County.
SEATTLE — A 58-year-old woman is scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon after being charged in connection with the alleged financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Lewis County.
Kristine Hughey is set for arraignment at 2:30 p.m. April 16 on one count of forgery, 10 counts of first-degree theft and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. She was arrested without incident and booked into the Lewis County Jail.
The charges stem from an investigation that began April 8, when officers responded to concerns raised by neighbors and referrals from Adult Protective Services involving a 96-year-old woman in Centralia. Authorities say the victim has dementia, requires skilled nursing care and meets the legal definition of a vulnerable adult under Washington law.
Detectives determined Hughey, originally from California, had been living with and caring for the victim since around mid-2025. In September 2025, Hughey obtained durable power of attorney over the woman and soon after transferred ownership of the victim’s Centralia home into her own name using a quitclaim deed, describing it as a gift.
Financial records reviewed with the victim’s permission indicate that roughly $78,000 was withdrawn or spent from the victim’s accounts between September 2025 and March 2026. Investigators noted that the amount significantly exceeded the victim’s approximate $8,000 monthly income from Social Security and pension payments.
Authorities say more than $21,400 was taken out in cash, with additional spending tied to horse-related purchases, travel, dining, entertainment and peer-to-peer transfers to individuals outside the state. Investigators also identified recurring charges they say did not align with the victim’s circumstances as a nursing home resident without a vehicle or livestock.
According to detectives, the victim said she did not approve the large withdrawals or personal expenses and believed the power of attorney and property transfer were meant only to help manage bills and arrange inheritance after her death. She has since indicated she wants to revoke the agreement.
Police say Hughey has a lengthy criminal record across multiple states involving fraud, forgery, theft and identity-related crimes, and has used several aliases.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Centralia Police Department at 360-330-7680.
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