The former nursing home activities director at Truman Health Care in Lamar has been charged with financial exploitation of the elderly.
The initial appearance for Ashley N. Gastel (DOB 1986), Lamar, is set for 9 a.m. August 5 in Barton County Circuit Court in Lamar.
According to the probable cause statement, Gastel allegedly gained the trust of a resident at the home, was provided with his debit card and used it to buy items locally and from Amazon.
From the probable cause statement:
On June 6, 2025, Ashley N. Gastel committed the crime of financial exploitation of an elderly person or elderly person with a disability, RSMO 570.145, Charge Code 570.145-005Y202026, in the City of Lamar, County of Barton, State of Missouri, due to the following facts:
On June 6, 2025, Officers took a report regarding financial exploitation of the elderly person or person with a disability. On June 16, 2025, Officers spoke with the victim, who is a resident at Truman Health Care, about the use of his debit card by the suspect, Ashley Gastel.
While Ashley, who was employed with Truman Health Care as an Activities Director took advantage of the victim by gaining his trust and offering to purchase personal belongings for him, used the 16-didgit card number and added it to her Amazon account.
Ashley purchased items on Amazon as well as, when going to Walmart the same debit card was used to purchase personal items for herself.
The following are transactions made by Ashley Gastel:
On January 06, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for $162.80 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On January 07, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for $44.42 using a debit card ending in 4736
On January 07, 2025, a charge was made at Walmart Supercenter in Lamar, MO using a debit card ending in 4736 for $31.36, and $36.10. A receipt has been printed for all three transactions by a Walmart Manager in Lamar, MO.
On January 07, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for $36.10 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On January 07, 2025, a charge was made at Walmart Supercenter in Lamar, MO using a debit card ending in 4736 for $22.54.
On January 11, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for$55.31 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On January 14, 2025, cash back was requested for $20.00 after purchasing Items for Billy at Walmart using the debt card ending in 4736. When returning Billy's items to him, he did not receive the cash.
On January 24, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for $60.39 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On February 01, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for$17.25 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On February 02, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for$96.52 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On February 02, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for $63.88 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On February 06, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for$89.87 using a debit card ending in 4736.
On February 06, 2025, a charge was made on Amazon for $41.21 using a debit card ending in 4736.