Burglary suspects also face charges of exploitation of elderly

As the investigation continues, charges against John Paul Sturgis Jr., 50, and Claudia Kay Haley, 41, keep building, Ponca City Police spokeswoman Sherry Bowers said Tuesday afternoon.

Ponca City Police asked that an on-call worker from the Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Division, respond to the 500 block of Lansbrook Road yesterday afternoon while the search warrant was being conducted to retrieve stolen property.

A 72-year-old disabled male relative was taken into the care of DHS. The worker will find a home or facility to care for him, Bowers said.

The pair had allegedly gambled away more than $150,000 that was set aside for his care within the last six to eight months.

In addition to the crimes against property the pair is facing with complaints of burglaries, conspiracy to commit a felony, knowingly concealing stolen property, grand larceny, possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a debit card and engaging or conspiring to engage in a pattern of criminal offense,they also face charges of exploitation of the elderly.

Sturgis has a lengthy criminal past and several convictions in Cleveland County, so the additional wording of “after former conviction” will be added to the above listed charges he is facing, Bowers said.