BENTON, Mo. -- A Cape Girardeau woman working as a caretaker for an elderly couple in Scott County was arrested recently on accusations that she stole more than $70,000 from the couple's bank account.

Linda L. Davis, 49, has been charged with felony stealing and forgery and financial exploitation of the elderly.

According to a news release from Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, the elderly couple recently began to notice odd banking transactions on their account. A relative checked with their banking institution and found numerous high-dollar amount checks made out to Davis beginning in March.

Davis began as a private caretaker for the elderly couple in January.

When the investigation was turned over to the sheriff's office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Rural Crime Division, they found there was around $71,480 missing from the couple's bank account.

Walter wrote in the news release that during a search of Davis' home and vehicle, deputies found deposit slips showing the missing money being deposited in her personal checking out.

Davis is out on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Sept. 1 before a judge in Scott County.