Fourth arrest made in Klamath Falls elder abuse case

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Three suspects accused of torturing a 63-year-old Klamath Falls woman have pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all charges, as police make a fourth suspect arrest in the case.

Police say the elderly victim at a residence on Homedale Road was handcuffed to a chair and beaten, and sexually abused by her caregiver, 56-year-old Florence Raley. Co-defendants Melissa Ann Shanholtzer and Jonathon Sterling Martin are also charged with kidnapping and assault.

“All of the defendants pled ‘not guilty’ yesterday, and they were arraigned in court,” said Klamath County D.A. Rob Patridge. He adds that Florence Raley’s 50-year-old husband John Adams Raley was arrested Tuesday on charges including kidnapping and assault. “This fourth defendant was in court today, and pled ‘not guilty’ as well,” said Patridge.

Investigators say the abuse took place over several months. The victim was committed to the State Hospital by court order, following claims that she had abused Florence Raley’s dog. “There are ongoing cases related to animal abuse related to this,”  Confirmed District Attorney Patridge.

State Police were notified after hospital staff learned the victim had injuries consistent with abuse, including a broken arm and detached retinas. The victim has since been released from the hospital.

Florence Raley is still in jail with bail set at $1,000,000. Bail for the other three suspects has been set at $500,000.

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