Batesville Couple Charged for Allegedly Profiting Off Family Member with Dementia

The charges stem from a guardianship case that was opened in 2018.

Shouna and Christopher Muckerheide. Photos by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A Batesville couple has been arrested and charged with theft from a legally incompetent family member.

Shouna and Christopher Muckerheide have been charged with Theft over $50,000 (Level 5 Felony) and Exploitation of an Endangered Adult (Class A Misdemeanor).

The charges filed on August 22 stem from a guardianship case that was opened in 2018 for Shouna Muckerheide’s sister, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Required accounting of the sister’s finances were required for the court case. Upon submission, there were vast discrepancies in the financials and Area 12 Adult Protective Services were contacted to conduct a possible financial exploitation of an endangered adult case.

According to a news release from Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens, investigations learned that the alleged victim had been living in a nursing home facility since August of 2018.

The victim’s home in Hidden Valley was sold in 2020. The closing settlement reflected proceeds over $353,000. In the accounting to the Court provided by the Muckerheide’s, they listed net proceeds from the house as $145,537.94, a difference of over $208,000.

APS investigators say the Muckerheide’s used the $208,000 in profit to purchase their home in Batesville. The Muckerheide’s are also accused of using the alleged victim’s credit card for their benefit in an amount over $40,000.

“These allegations against the Muckerheide’s are disturbing,” said Prosecutor Deddens. “A sister who stepped up to be a guardian for her ill sister found a way to profit. This case brings to the forefront the unfortunate reality of what we are already witnessing in society and that is more cases of elder financial exploitation.”

The Muckerheide’s are set for a pre-trial hearing on November 9.