An Eagan woman faces a felony charge of exploiting a vulnerable adult for allegedly stealing more than $35,000 from her disabled aunt. She is accused of gambling away the woman's life savings.

Misty M. Williams, 30, was the conservator of the estate of Doris Jean Johnson, 72, who has dementia and lives in an assisted care center in Eagan.

A complaint filed in Dakota County District Court says she used ATM transactions and regular bank transactions and wrote checks to herself off her aunt's account between April 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009.

Papers filed in probate court show an even higher loss. An examination of Johnson's accounts estimated the losses at more than $50,000 and possibly as high as $125,000, records show.

Johnson's bills and rent had gone unpaid, she faced eviction, and her home, which her estate still owned, went into foreclosure because of a mechanic's lien by a homeowner's association, records show.

Williams admitted to police that she used her aunt's money for gambling, court documents say.

JOY POWELL