Elder Abuse

The mission of the Elder Abuse Section of the Special Victims Unit is protect older Pennsylvanians and enhance prosecution efforts against those who choose to harm them. The Elder Abuse Section will investigate and prosecute all forms of abuse upon the older citizens, including financial exploitation and physical abuse and neglect.

Reorganized in the Fall of 2000 by District Attorney Andy Jarbola, the Elder Abuse Task Force is a multi-disciplinary body led by the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office. The Task Force includes members of law enforcement, social service agencies, protective services, health care providers and members of the public all dedicated to enhance protection of older citizens, prevention of abuse of all forms and prosecution of those who perpetrate abuse.

The Task Force meets on a regular basis and has provided numerous educational presentations to the community. Currently, the Task Force has established a protocol for handling criminal investigations relating to elder abuse within Lackawanna County.

If you wish to report suspected financial exploitation, physical or sexual abuse of an older citizen or neglect, you should contact the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging at (570) 963-6740. You will not be required to give your name.

Special Victims Unit Supervisor:
Deputy DA, Michelle Olshefski

Elder Abuse/Neglect Supervisor:
Assistant DA Suzanne Tierney
Elder Abuse/Neglect Team:
Assistant DA Paul Peterson

Investigator:
Detective Renee Santerelli

Phone: 570-963-6717