Pottawatomie Co. Couple Accused Of Kidnapping, Robbing Elderly Man

A Macomb couple is facing a long list of charges after police say they kidnapped an elderly, disabled man and robbed him to the tune of over a quarter million dollars. 

The elderly victim was found along Highway 59B in Macomb sitting underneath a mailbox. He told police he was held against his will by a couple and that they robbed him blind.

Police said the victim had a stroke a few months ago and was befriended by a couple who took him into their home. 

Investigators said that couple, Patricia and Carl Annanders, then sold off the victim’s property, cattle, and classic cars all for pennies on the dollar. In all, investigators said the victim is out about $255,000 dollars.

“He fell victim to these people who appeared as good Samaritans and ultimately took advantage of him and he lost his farm. He lost his home. He lost his coin collections. His car collections,” said Pottawatomie County District Attorney Allan Grubb.

Police said when they found the man he was covered in filth and told them he was not allowed to leave the home.

“At one point the victim was able to sneak an AT&T cell phone in to call for help. It was taken from him,” said Grubb. “When he was found he was disheveled. He hadn’t had hygienic attention to his toenails, his fingernails. Hadn’t had a bath.”

The victim has been taken to a nursing facility, and the Annanders face a long list of charges including kidnapping and abuse by a caretaker. Investigators said this crime is becoming more and more common. People who target the elderly know these cases are hard to prosecute. 

“You have to have good solid facts to make these cases. They’re really tough to make. And we’re seeing more and more of them and many times whenever the victim passes, there’s nothing else we can do,” said Grubb.