A woman who reportedly trusted a retirement facility employee to help manage her daily affairs was allegedly left with nearly $30,000 missing from her bank account, unpaid bills and disconnected water service. Now, two people are facing charges in connection with the alleged financial exploitation, and investigators want to know whether other residents may have been targeted.
Authorities identified the suspects as Christina Sheree Buffington, 39, and her boyfriend, Keyvan Jermaine McClinic Sr., 38, both of Rome, Georgia. Buffington reportedly worked at a local retirement facility where the victim was receiving care.
According to investigators, the couple became involved in the victim’s personal affairs after the death of the victim’s significant other. They reportedly offered to help with everyday errands, financial responsibilities and monthly bills. What appeared to be an arrangement to make life easier for someone who needed assistance allegedly turned into an opportunity to take money from the victim.
Investigators say the victim lost more than $29,000 from a personal bank account. Further details reported in connection with the investigation put the alleged loss at $29,099.88. The transactions reportedly occurred between May 1 and November 6, 2026, and were allegedly made without the victim’s knowledge or approval.
The financial problems did not stop with the missing money. While the account was reportedly being used for unauthorized transactions, the victim’s regular financial obligations went unpaid. The situation became serious enough for the victim’s residential water service to be disconnected over an unpaid bill. The bank account also suffered repeated overdrafts.
Additional reports identified the victim as an elderly, disabled man who reportedly experiences cognitive difficulties and memory loss. Those circumstances raise further concerns about how easily someone who depends on others for everyday assistance can become vulnerable to financial abuse.
Floyd County authorities arrested Buffington and McClinic in connection with the investigation. Both reportedly face charges of exploitation and intimidation of elderly or disabled adults, as well as financial transaction card fraud. The allegations have not been established as convictions, and both suspects are entitled to due process.
But investigators are not treating the case as a closed matter. The Floyd County Police Department is asking anyone who may have experienced similar financial exploitation involving the two suspects to contact authorities. Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from people in Rome who believe they or someone they know may have been affected.
Anyone with information can contact Investigator Guzman with the Floyd County Police Department at 706-235-7766 or by email at Esteffany.guzman@floydcountyga.org.
For investigators, the concern now extends beyond the reported financial loss. They want to determine whether anyone else placed their trust in the same people and suffered similar losses without realizing what was happening.