After John Amos’ daughter sounded the alarm last week, Colorado authorities are investigating allegations that the “Good Times” actor is the victim of elder abuse.
“Mr. Amos has been a beloved member of our community for many years. He has also been an ardent supporter of our community and this sheriff’s office,” the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said in a press release shared with People.
“We take allegations of crimes very seriously. We can confirm that an allegation was made to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office that Mr. Amos could be a victim of a crime,” the missive added. “We are thoroughly investigating that allegation and have consulted with our partners at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Department of Human Services. We have also been in contact with Mr. Amos and his attorney.”
Last week, Shannon Amos launched a GoFundMe campaign, telling supporters that she received a “distressing” call from her father on May 14. Shannon said John, 83, was “fighting for his life in the ICU” of a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., at the time.
Then, Shannon wrote, she and her family members discovered the “horrifying truth” that her father “had fallen victim to elder abuse and financial exploitation … believed to be perpetrated by a trusted caregiver.”
Shannon said that she and her family were “working closely” with Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the local sheriff’s department in her father’s home state.
“The cruelty inflicted upon my dad leaves me questioning what kind of human could commit such acts,” she added. “Yet, we hold onto hope that justice will prevail. Every penny raised will be entrusted to a special fund for my father, dedicated solely to his care, legal fees, and aftercare.”
John, also known for his roles on the TV series “Roots” and “The West Wing” and the “Coming to America” film series, later denied the allegations to TMZ, saying he hadn’t been abused and didn’t know why Shannon started the GoFundMe campaign.
So far, the campaign has raised more than $12,000 toward its goal of $500,000.