FRANKLIN COUNTY – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into a theft allegation has resulted in the indictment and arrest of a Huntland woman.

On July 9^th, at the request of 12^th Judicial District Attorney General Courtney Lynch, agents began investigating allegations of theft by Betty Duncan, who operated a care facility in Franklin County. Agents learned that an 82-year-old female who had been under Duncan’s care passed away in March. During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that a review of the woman’s financial accounts found discrepancies, where large sums of money were transferred from the victim’s account to an account co-owned by Duncan.  During that investigation, agents identified Duncan as the individual responsible for taking the money. 

On November 18^th, the Franklin County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Betty Jean Duncan (DOB 09/20/1969) with one count of Theft over $250,000 and one count of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Vulnerable Adult. On November 19^th, TBI agents and deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department arrested Duncan. She was transported to the Franklin County Jail and booked on a $500,000 bond.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.