It's happening more than you know.

WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE -- Most people couldn't imagine stealing from their parents. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department says it's happening more than you know.

Fifty-year old Cynthia Blackmon pleaded not-guilty in Milwaukee County Court to 21 counts of elder abuse. She allegedly stole a total of $116,000 from her 79-year old mother, writing unauthorized checks and using fraudulent credit cards for two years.

Elder abuse, both physical and financial, has risen 78-percent in Wisconsin since 2000. Baby boomers are living longer with more money saved for retirement. They rarely suspect their own family members or caregivers would steal from them, so the crimes are rarely reported.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department formed an elder abuse unit in January of 2007. It has investigated almost 50 cases. It works with and gets many tips from The Milwaukee County Department on Aging.

If you suspect a crime against the elderly call The Department on Aging Elder Abuse Hotline at 414-289-6874 or detectives in The Sheriff's Elderly Abuse Unit at 414-278-4788.our
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Yet another major metropolis city raises the alarm "It's happening more than you know." and a 78% increase in elder abuse incidents. Yet by ignoring the issue, it will not simply go away.