Tawana Michelle Spears, 36, of Blytheville, surrendered to police on July 15, 2015 as a result of an outstanding warrant issued for her arrest on the charge of felony theft of property. Spears is accused of theft from the recently deceased Mr. Luverl H. Gaines, 88, of Blytheville. Spears was a former caretaker of the retired farmer and decorated World War II veteran Gaines, who died on July 2, 2015.
The Blytheville Police Department (BPD) was made aware by Gaines' daughter, Debbie Marbry, of two suspicious money transfers made that day from her father's account. One transfer of $25,000 made out to Tawana Spears and the other for $50,000 made out to Corlet Spears. Corlet Spears is Tawana Spear's husband. Allegedly, one of the caregivers for Gaines accompanied him to the bank to make the transfers.
A BPD statement says that Marbry made contact with Spears and had her accompany her to the bank in an attempt to stop the money transfers. Marbry told police that Spears told her that she sent the money to an account bearing the name Michelle Spears, which is her middle name, and the other transfer was sent to an account bearing her husband's name, Corlet Spears. Spears allegedly explained that it was all done to show the elderly Gaines that he could trust her.
Marbry stated that Spears was also asked to make a call to stop the transfers to the incoming bank. Allegedly, Spears then contacted a sibling at Focus Bank and had the transfers returned. An affidavit was later completed against Spears and a warrant was issued against her for Theft.
thenry@blythevillecourier.com