Durham Regional Police have laid multiple fraud-related charges against a woman Abuse Case of abusing her role as power of attorney to defraud an elderly resident at a long-term care home in Beaverton, Ontario.
The investigation began in August 2025, when staff at Lakeview Manor, a long-term care facility in Brock Township, contacted police after discovering that several payments for a resident’s stay were overdue. According to authorities, the outstanding balance had grown to more than $10,000, prompting concerns about possible financial wrongdoing.
Following the report, members of the Durham Regional Police Older Adult Support and Investigative Services (OASIS) Unit launched an investigation into the financial activities of the person responsible for managing the resident’s affairs. The suspect had been appointed as the victim’s power of attorney prior to 2016 and was responsible for handling payments and financial matters on the resident’s behalf.
Investigators say their examination of financial records revealed that the suspect allegedly misused approximately $73,000 of the victim’s funds without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
Police allege the suspect withdrew more than $37,000 in cash from the victim’s accounts. In addition, investigators say over $8,000 was spent on personal merchandise purchases.
Authorities say the suspect and the victim are known to each other.
As a result of the investigation, Laura Doreen Croft, 53, of Brock Township, was taken into custody on January 14, 2026.
She is facing several criminal charges including:
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Theft by a person holding Power of Attorney
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Possession and use of an unauthorized credit card
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Unauthorized use of credit card data
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Fraud over $5,000
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Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
Police confirmed that Croft was later released on an undertaking while the case proceeds through the court system.
Durham Regional Police say the case highlights the important role of their Older Adult Support and Investigative Services Unit, commonly known as OASIS. The unit specializes in assisting older adults in Durham Region who may be vulnerable to crime or exploitation.
The OASIS Unit provides both investigative services and social support for residents aged 65 and older, as well as individuals who may be vulnerable due to other circumstances. Their work includes investigating crimes such as financial abuse, fraud, neglect and other offences targeting seniors.
Police are encouraging anyone who may have information about this investigation to come forward.
Individuals with information can contact Detective Constable Raposo of the OASIS Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5617.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can provide tips through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting information online.
Crime Stoppers reminds the public that tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
Police note that the allegations against the accused have not yet been proven in court.
