Watch CBS News

Woman Arrested, Accused Of Swindling Ailing 79-Year-Old

LAFAYETTE, Colo. (CBS4) - A woman accused of exploiting a family and taking money from a 79-year-old with ailing health has been arrested.

In June, the Adult Protective Services referred a case to Lafayette police for complaints against Julie Steenhoek, 53, known to the victim as "Doctor Julie."

julie steenhoek
Julie Steenhoek (credit: Jefferson County)

Steenhoek was arrested on Monday in Jefferson County. She posted bond and is due back in court for an advisement on Aug. 29.

The investigation showed Steenhoek began a friendship with the victim and moved into her house in the spring. Eventually Steenhoek moved her husband and child into the house as the victim's health took a turn for the worse.

Family members of the victim started contacting police when they said "Doctor Julie" was being controlling and not allowing the victim to interact with family or neighbors. Documents show the victim had given Steenhoek power of attorney. An attorney for the victim's daughter told CBS4 those documents were likely forged. Steenhoek had also been written into the victim's will. The victim began to have declining health but believed "Doctor Julie's" homeopathic therapies would cure her.

Steenhoek is not a doctor and has no formal medical training. She did begin teaching LENS therapy, but the creator of that type of therapy says Steenhoek is "scum" according to an arrest warrant.

In late June an emergency hearing was held, freezing the bank accounts of the victim and stopping the sale of her house. Many of the victim's family members believe Steenhoek was trying to sell the house and pocket the money.

Police threw Steenhoek and her family out of the victim's house.

On July 8 the victim died in Hospice. Her family has requested a toxicology report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.