Former Police Officer Found Guilty of Attempted Theft by Swindle from Elderly Dementia Patient

(KNSI) — Nearly two years after she was charged, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says former Cloquet police officer Laci Silgjord has been convicted of attempted felony theft by swindle.

A Carlton County jury found Silgjord guilty of financially exploiting 78-year-old Joan Arney, who suffered from dementia.

Ellison says Silgjord first met Arney in May 2020 while responding to a call about a stolen purse. Four months after meeting her, Ellison says Silgjord misrepresented herself to a bank as Arney’s fiduciary despite having no legal authority for this role, gained access to Arney’s bank accounts and attempted to inherit her entire estate valued at more than $150,000, despite Arney having surviving family members.

Medical records documented that Arney suffered from severe memory deficits and was often disoriented. The complaint says that throughout September 2020, Silgjord recorded multiple bedside conversations, and during one, Arney said she did not know where she was, did not know her maiden name, did not know her father’s name, and did not remember how old her son was when he died.

The court appointed Silgjord as Arney’s guardian in September 2020, allowing her to make decisions about personal care and custody, but explicitly not granting authority over financial matters. On October 28th, 2020, Joan died with no surviving children and no will. Shortly after, Silgjord met with the estranged husband, and authorities say she claimed to be “in charge” of ensuring Joan’s wishes were carried out. The AG’s office says the court’s order appointing Silgjord as guardian expired when Joan died, but she still attempted to claim the entire estate.

Silgjord cited recorded bedside conversations with Arney as evidence of her entitlement to the inheritance. The court denied Silgjord’s claims.

Her employment with the Cloquet Police Department ended in June 2022. Ellison’s office charged her in July of 2023.

Silgjord will be sentenced on a date to be determined.

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