Woman Accused Of Seducing, Stealing From Elderly Men

KOKOMO, Ind. -- Police say a woman had been preying on elderly men for several years, befriending them and then taking from them.

Deanna Blankenship, 26, is charged with two felonies after police said she took more than 20 guns and money from the home of an 80-year-old man.

Police said Blankenship has at least three other victims -- men ranging in age from 51 to 80.

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Woman Accused Of Seducing, Stealing From Elderly Men

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Blankenship was arrested at a Tipton County motel Friday and was lodged in the Howard County Jail. Police said she was also arrested in 2002 and 2004 on similar charges. Police also suspect her in another case that occurred in 2005.

"I don't know how she comes to meet these men, but she always finds these older men and takes advantage of them," said Kokomo police Detective Mike Vanush. "She's been doing it for years."

Police said at least two of the men were not only hurt financially, but also suffered physical abuse.

"The gentleman from 2004 -- he was beaten pretty badly in the face and head area. The gentleman from 2005 was beaten in the head badly," Vanush said.

Blankenship told 6News' Tanya Spencer that she did befriend the 80-year-old, but insisted that he gave her money.

"I'll be honest. You know, I manipulated the old man -- let him believe I was somebody he thought I was years ago," Blankenship said. "But he gave me money. I didn't steal anything. Who's going to tell somebody no that's giving them money?"

Blankenship admitted that she took a wallet in the 2002 case. She went to jail following that case.

Blankenship said she allowed some of her acquaintances into the 80-year-old's home when she took him on an errand, knowing their intention was to steal.

Sitting in jail Tuesday, Blankenship said her judgement was clouded by drug addiction and said she hopes her story will help keep others way from the scourge of drugs.

"It's not worth it. It's really not, because even if you think you're not addicted, it'll get you and you have this to look forward to," Blankenship said. "I just want to say that I am sorry. I never meant to hurt anybody. The situation got really, really bad really fast."

Police believe the weapons that were taken from the home were traded for crack cocaine and are still on the street.

Blankenship was out on bond in the 2004 case before her most recent arrest. Her bond has been revoked and she faces trial related to that case in May.