Lafayette Police looking for fake doctor accused of exploiting elderly couple

Police believe there could be more victims
Posted: 11:45 PM, Aug 04, 2016
Updated: 2016-08-05 18:51:53-04

LAFAYETTE, Colo.  -- They called her "Dr. Julie," but police say Julie Steenhoek is not a medical doctor, not even close. She is wanted for her alleged role in taking advantage of an elderly couple. 

Steenhoek faces one count of felony at-risk exploitation. Police also believe there could be additional victims.

"My mom is gone, my mom is gone and she doesn't have to be," said the victim's daughter.

The daughter said Steenhoek moved in with her mother and father, then tried to sell the house. She believes her mother's death was accelerated because she didn't receive proper care. Court documents show Steenhoek said she had a friend who could heal cancer.

Denver7 is not naming the victims due to a request by police and the district attorney's office.

Documents also show the fake doctor wrote herself into the will. She also placed the woman's father in assisted living after convincing his wife to go on vacation.

A cousin said he noticed several red flags and decided to contact authorities. He recently attended a forum on senior law in Jefferson County.

“During that session the presenter talked about a scenario that was almost exactly what my cousin was going through," said the cousin.

Relatives noticed their loved ones became distant while in Dr. Julie's care. They said she was very controlling and listened in on phone conversations.

"The exclusion of the family members and the isolation... it’s a classic example," said William Meyer, an elder law attorney.


