Elk City Man Wanted for Alleged Financial Exploitation of Elderly Mother

The Penny News 408

Elk City, OK — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 38-year-old Robert Wade Leyja, accused of financially exploiting his elderly mother. The charges stem from an extensive investigation by the Elk City Police Department and Adult Protective Services (APS).

According to official reports, Leyja allegedly misused funds and assets belonging to his 78-year-old mother, who suffers from Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and memory loss. Investigators found that Leyja had gained unauthorized access to his mother’s financial resources, withdrawing thousands of dollars from her accounts without permission.

The affidavit states that Leyja, who was living in his mother’s home, manipulated her into giving him money and making financial transactions on his behalf. Reports from APS reveal that the mother had expressed concerns about her son’s behavior, claiming she felt pressured into signing over money and was often left without sufficient funds for her own needs.

Investigation Uncovers Financial Exploitation

Police and APS investigators began looking into the case after receiving multiple complaints. Interviews with family members and financial records reportedly confirmed that Leyja withdrew large sums of money from his mother’s bank account and used it for personal expenses, including retail purchases and bill payments.

A critical piece of evidence included bank statements showing unauthorized ATM withdrawals and witness testimonies from store employees who recalled Leyja frequently accessing his mother’s accounts.

Additionally, it was discovered that Leyja attempted to prevent further investigation by convincing his mother not to pursue legal action. However, APS officials determined that the mother was being financially manipulated and lacked full understanding of her rights.

Arrest Warrant Issued

Based on the findings, an arrest warrant was issued for Robert Wade Leyja on charges of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult under Oklahoma’s Consumer Crimes Act. His bond has been set at $10,000, and authorities are actively seeking his arrest.

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with further information about the case to come forward as the investigation continues.

Court proceedings are pending Leyja’s arrest.

  elk city   exploitation   News  
 
 

More News

News
The Penny News 1127
News | February 05, 2026
Retail business owners along historic Route 66 have a new opportunity to improve their buildings through a facade and sign revitalization incentive program offered by the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority.
News
The Penny News 1126
News | February 04, 2026
House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore of Clinton, R-Clinton, has filed a package of education bills aimed at improving classroom outcomes and expanding access to higher education for Oklahoma students.
News
The Penny News 1125
News | February 04, 2026
A man previously released on bond after being accused of trafficking more than 120 pounds of marijuana in Beckham County has now received a deferred sentence, according to court records.
News
The Penny News 1124
News | February 03, 2026
The Oklahoma State Election Board has released its official annual voter registration report, showing a total of 2,406,168 registered voters statewide as of January 15, 2026.
News
The Penny News 1123
News | February 03, 2026
A Weatherford woman has been charged with first-degree arson following a November 2025 fire at a residence in the University Drive trailer park in Weatherford.
News
The Penny News 1122
News | February 03, 2026
Faculty and students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Natural History Museum visited Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford Elementary School to provide a hands-on science experience for third-grade students.

 
Have your ad read on the most powerful hour in radio, TRADIO. The buy, sell, and trade show that airs Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Saturday at 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM on KECO 96.5 FM.

 

 

© Copyright 2025, Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.