By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – A 59-year-old Helena man has been arrested and charged with financial exploitation of an elderly person after allegedly stealing $4,000 from his mother’s bank account.

Russell Brian Martin, who lists an address in the 2500 block of Bridlewood Drive in Helena, was arrested by the Helena Police Department and placed in the Shelby County Jail on June 25 on a bond totaling $10,000.

According to his arrest warrant, Martin “intentionally and knowingly committed financial exploitation of an elderly person” in November 2013, after allegedly taking his mother to the bank and withdrawing $4,000 cash without the conservator’s permission.

Martin was subsequently charged with first-degree financial exploitation of an elderly person since the offense exceeded $2,500.

First-degree financial exploitation of an elderly person is a Class B felony in the state of Alabama. If found guilty, Martin could face up to 20 years in prison.