TEXARKANA, Texas - A woman accused of debit-card abuse is now facing a count of witness tampering for allegedly pressuring her elderly victim to drop the charges.
Gwendolyn Ruth Block, 58, was indicted in April for debit-card abuse involving a 76-year-old woman for whom she provided caretaking services, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Block allegedly used the woman's debit card to make cash withdrawals and a report was made regarding the alleged theft to Nash, Texas, police in October 2019.
Block was free on bond when she allegedly paid a visit Sept. 24 to the alleged victim of the debit-card theft.
Block allegedly "knocked heavily" on the door and stood in such a way that the woman could not tell who was outside.
"When (the alleged victim) opened the door, Block pushed the door open hard and entered the residence without permission," the affidavit states.
Block allegedly told the woman she had "this paper" from the Bowie County District Attorney's Office in her truck, and she needed the alleged victim to sign it. Block allegedly told the woman she needed to sign the paper so that Block would avoid a possible sentence of seven years in prison.
The elderly woman allegedly told Block she would sign the paper so that Block would go outside. When Block walked out to allegedly retrieve the paper from her truck, the elderly woman closed the door, locked it and called family members to her aid.
Block allegedly began harassing the elderly woman over the telephone the day after she came to her home and reportedly told her she'd be back. Block was arrested on a charge of witness tampering Oct. 23.
Court records show she was released the same day on a $20,000 personal recognizance bond.
Block is set for trial in April on the charge of debit-card abuse before 5th District Judge Bill Miller.