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A Warsaw man was arrested for allegedly financially exploiting a relative with health issues.
Eric Nicholas Hoffhien, 44, of 625 W. Center St., Warsaw, is charged with theft, a level 5 felony; and exploitation of an endangered adult, a class A misdemeanor. He was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday on a $20,000 preliminary bond.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Oct. 15 a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy received a report of financial exploitation and identity deception.
A woman and her friend reported Hoffhien and his wife had been financially exploiting the woman, who was a female relative, by utilizing the relative’s identity, Social Security income and funds without authorization while previously acting as her power of attorney.
The female relative suffers from progressive cognitive decline and dementia.
The friend further reported an unauthorized past due credit card account had been opened using the relative’s name, Social Security number and address, but listed Hoffhien’s wife’s telephone number.
A KCSO detective sergeant interviewed the relative, her current power of attorney and the friend. The detective reviewed investigative files provided by an Adult Protective Services investigator alongside bank records. Financial records confirmed on Oct. 15, 2021, a mortgage refinance of approximately $100,000 was executed on the relative’s residence. After satisfying an outstanding tax lien of about $23,000, net proceeds in the amount of $75,026.61 were deposited into the relative’s bank account on Dec. 2, 2021, where Hoffhien was listed as a joint owner. The remaining proceeds were allegedly misappropriated by Hoffhien for personal use rather than the relative’s care.
On Dec. 3, 2021, Hoffhien transferred $20,000 from the account and transfered an additional $50,000 into another account held jointly by Hoffhien and his wife. Over the following months, Hoffhien routinely depleted the funds through unauthorized debit card transactions and transfers, including payments toward a vehicle loan in Hoffhien’s name, mortgage payments, recurring transfers to an individual, fast food, smoke/vape purchases and travel expenses including Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld and Harley-Davidson, according to court documents.
On Feb. 10, 2026, the detective interviewed Hoffhien. Hoffhien acknowledged taking out the mortgage on the relative’s residence, claiming she signed the paperwork. Hoffhien also admitted some funds from the relative’s bank account went toward Hoffhien’s own family.
On Feb. 23, 2026, the detective conducted a second interview with Hoffhien, who admitted he transferred the $50,000 from the relative’s bank account into his joint account. When confronted with specific unauthorized transactions from the joint account, Hoffhien stated he did not specifically recall making those purchases, but he would repay the money.
