A Cumberland County woman is facing felony charges in Cumberland County Court on Thursday after authorities say she exploited her role as a caretaker and power of attorney to misappropriate tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly Alzheimer’s patient. Ashley Marie Decker appeared on the Cumberland County General Sessions Court criminal docket for a case involving a charge of theft of property valued between $10,000 and $60,000.

The investigation began when the victim and a family member reported the missing funds to local law enforcement. According to court affidavits, Decker had been entrusted with power of attorney to assist the elderly resident with daily care, medical appointments, and bill payments.

Investigators found that more than $54,000 was withdrawn from a Crossville bank in April 2025. While Decker claimed a portion of the funds was a loan for housing and that the remainder was a gift to help her get back on her feet, the victim maintained that the money was stolen and that he never received the majority of the funds or benefited from the transaction. The victim’s power of attorney has since been revoked and transferred to a family member, who has assumed his care. Decker is being represented by the public defender’s office as the legal proceedings continue.