On April 12th, 2024, after a three and a half month investigation

with assistance from Adult Protective Services and the District Attorney’s office, the Loretto Police Department obtained warrants against Kelly Chriest for Theft by Taking Advantage of the Elderly and Forgery. On April 13th the LPD and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department served the warrants on Chriest at 122 North Main Street. Also at the residence was Kelly’s boyfriend, Dennis Whitaker Jr. Chriest was arrested for her warrants and Whitaker was arrested for a Failure to Appear and Domestic Assault warrants.
The two subjects locked the entry doors to home and refused to open them for Law Enforcement. Whitaker was found in a closet covered in loose items in an attempt to hide from Officers. While searching the home it was discovered the homeowner’s motorized wheelchair was missing. It was discovered in the basement of another elderly female’s residence, and she did not have any knowledge of it being stored there.
Chriest is being held on a $77,000 bond for the previously listed charges while Whitaker is being held on a $34,000 bond for his. Both were charged with an additional Theft over $1000 for the wheelchair and are being held in the Lawrence County Jail awaiting their appearance in Court.