Son, 'common law wife', accused of exploiting 76-year old woman
Morris
Mason
An Atmore man and a woman he said was his common law wife have been arrested for financial exploitation of the elderly and other charges accusing them of taking advantage of the man's elderly mother.
Todd Jefferson Morris, 53, 346 Perry Lane, Atmore, and Kimberly Ann Mason, 55, also of 246 Perry Lane, Atmore, were both charged with financial exploitation of the elderly. Mason was also charged with elderly abuse and neglect and two counts of harassment.
During a bond hearing Tuesday before District Judge Eric Coale, both suspects told the judge they did not know why they were arrested and did not know the charges that led to their June 14 arrests.
"I have no knowledge of what I did to my mother," Morris told the judge.
Judge Coale set Morris' bond at $125,000 and Mason's bond at $100,000. If released on bond the judge also ordered them to have no contact with Morris' mother, who is 76 years old.
Court records allege that both resided with Morris' mother and are accused to taking property that exceeds $500 but is less than $2,500. Records show the couple lived in the home and have not contributed to the household finances. It was noted that Morris' mother pays $675 per month for utility bills and also supported Morris and Mason financially.
In addition to the exploitation charges, Mason was charged with emotional abuse of Morris' mother by making derogatory and obscene comments toward her and causing Morris' mother to to be afraid of being at her residence while Mason was there.
Records also stated that Mason told Morris' brother that she hoped his family died in a house fire saying she would kill him and his family and send his family to federal prison.
She is also accused of slapping Morris' mother in the face.
Morris told Judge Coale that he was self-employed making $300 per month and was on food stamps with no money in the bank and requested a court-appointed attorney, which was granted.
He referred to Mason as his common law wife, but such a union does not exist in the state of Alabama.
Morris also told the judge he was on probation at the time of his arrest on charges which included unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and making a terrorist threat.
Mason also told the judge that she did not understand the charges filed against her. After reading the charges to Mason, Judge Coale set the $100,000 and agreed to appoint Michael Perry as her attorney.
