Raleigh police: Woman stole more than $100K worth of items, cash from elderly roommate

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A 69-year-old Raleigh woman is in jail, accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of items and cash from her elderly roommate.

Cheryl Risley faces 26 felony charges that include exploiting a disabled or elderly person, identities theft, obtaining property by false pretense, uttering a forged instrument, and larceny.

Raleigh police say between July 2015 and October 2017, Risley took out a slew of credit cards in the name of 76-year-old Elsa Mumma and racked up thousands of dollars in charges.

Police allege Risley also signed up for a credit card using the name of Mumma's deceased husband, with which she charged more than $5,500 for various items and cellphone services.

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Arrest warrants allege Risley would steal money from Mumma's checking accounts to make payments toward those fraudulent cards.

In total, prosecutors told a Wake County district court judge Thursday, Risley stole more than $135,000 worth of items and cash.

Risley's attorney, Jesse Scharff, in an attempt to have her $400,000 secured bond lowered, told the judge there was a story behind the story.

"A lot of what was purchased, it would be our contention, that it was for the home, for these two ladies and that the alleged victim consented to a lot of this stuff," Scharff said.

Mumma told ABC11 she bought her north Raleigh townhome in July 2015 and allowed Risley to live with her rent-free, saying she was helpful with cooking meals.

Police said Mumma's daughter reported the discrepancies in her mother's financial records when she discovered them in October.

Risley's bond remains at $400,000, with only $150,000 secured.

Her next court date is set for Jan. 4.