WYTHE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Deputies in Wythe County arrested five people in connection with the financial exploitation of a senior citizen Wednesday, according to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Sept. 23, deputies said they executed a search warrant in the 600 block of West Fulton Street in Wytheville as part of an ongoing investigation into the financial exploitation of a senior citizen.
Investigators reported they determined the victim had been financially exploited for several thousand dollars; the people arrested in connection with the incident and the corresponding charges each faced were:
Penny Joel Sawyers
Credit Card Fraud
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny
Financial Exploitation
Charles Adrian Camper Jr.
Credit Card Fraud
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny
Financial Exploitation
Gabrielle Alyssa Camper
Credit Card Fraud
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny
Cameron Hensley
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny
Possession of Schedule I or II Drugs
Dustin Drew Sawyers
Conspiracy to Commit Larceny
Information retrieved during the investigation led investigators to request an additional search warrant for a home located in the 7000 block of West Lee Highway.
Deputies reported they located proceeds believed to be connected to the incident at a West Lee Highway home; more charges are expected, and investigators said they identified the possibility of more suspects being charged as the investigation remains ongoing.
“The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office takes the financial exploitation of senior citizens seriously and will continue to investigate these cases and hold those responsible accountable,” the sheriff’s office said.
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Adult Protective Services is taking October to raise awareness to the public about financial exploitation.
“I basically tell people, ‘if it’s not your money, it’s a crime,’” said Shelly Shaw, the faith-based and community engagement specialist with APS. “That is the illegal or improper process of using a disabled or elderly person’s money without their consent. And these are usually done by like a caregiver or a person that has that personal relationship with that elderly or disabled adult.”
The Smith County Adult Protective Services will hold a awareness walk on Oct. 11 at Watkins Logan Veterans Home at 11 a.m.
The pace of the disciplinary investigations of the two Marion County Superior Court judges has been described as deliberative in order to ensure the due process rights of the accused are preserved. (Photo/Marilyn Odendahl)
By Marilyn Odendahl
The judicial misconduct charges recently filed against two Marion County Superior Court judges – including one who is on the November ballot for retention – came after years of issues and concerns with caseload management and staff supervision, raising questions about the unhurried pace of such disciplinary investigations.
Charges were filed on Sept. 14 against Judge Geoffrey Gaither, who is running for retention, and Judge Jose Salinas by the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications. The Qualifications Commission alleges the jurists each violated several rules of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, including failing to perform their “judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently and promptly.”
Gaither, who presides over family and juvenile cases, has been charged with three counts of judicial misconduct. The commission alleges he did not set hearings or issue rulings in a timely manner, which led to several “lazy judge” motions being filed against him and some of his cases having to be reassigned to other judges. Gaither also faces accusations of inadequately supervising his court staff, which resulted in numerous administrative errors and delays, and neglecting to properly supervise a magistrate judge, who failed to promptly issue orders.
Salinas, who presides over a criminal docket of misdemeanors and Level 6 felony cases, has been charged with five counts of judicial misconduct. The commission alleges he engaged in a pattern of not taking timely action in more than 40 criminal cases, causing delays and some cases to be dismissed for failing to meet speedy trial deadlines. In addition, Salinas has been accused of failing to conduct a competency hearing, promptly rule on expungement petitions and adequately supervise his court staff, which led to orders not being entered into the case management system and some individuals being held in jail long after they had been ordered to be released.
The Qualifications Commission has requested the Indiana Supreme Court appoint three masters to conduct separate public hearings for Gaither and Salinas. Also, the commission is asking for sanctions to be imposed if the judges are found to have committed misconduct, but it did not request any specific punishment.
The statements of charges filed against each judge with the Supreme Court detail repeated problematic conduct that had continued for years. According to the documents, the commission’s investigation of Salinas found missing case entries on the court’s docket from Aug. 28, 2015, to Aug. 21, 2025. Issues with Gaither’s caseload were first reported to the commission in late 2021 and during his retention hearing before the Marion County Judicial Retention Committee in March, he revealed he was under investigation by the commission.
The Indiana Supreme Court defended the Qualifications Commission’s pace, saying due process requires several steps to be taken when investigating ethical concerns raised about judicial officers. These steps include consideration of the materials collected during the investigation, along with providing notice to the judges of the allegations and giving them an opportunity to respond.
Joel Schumm, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law clinical professor, said the Qualifications Commission needed to be deliberative and thorough in any investigation of judges. Still, he conceded that many nonlawyers might be astonished that a judicial officer who faced years of allegations of documented misconduct was allowed to remain on the bench when private-sector employees would likely be terminated in less than a month.
“It would be nice if (the judicial disciplinary process) moved faster because the stakes are as important or more important than that of a lot of people at a job that in a day or a week or a month (they could be) removed or disciplined,” Schumm said.
Marion County Superior Court Judges Geoffrey Gaither and Jose Salinas have 20 days to respond to the allegations of misconduct and could either enter into a settlement with the Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission or face a public hearing. (Photo/Marilyn Odendahl)
A docket filled with pending cases
One of the first complaints against Gaither was filed by his colleagues on the Marion Superior Court Executive Committee in late 2021, who were concerned about the number of cases he had pending on his docket. The committee not only found Gaither had more than 100 items in his daily queue requiring judicial action but was also fielding complaints from lawyers about the delays in scheduling hearings.
The Qualifications Commission responded by sending a letter to Gaither in March 2022, encouraging him to get assistance to address his backlog. In September 2022, the commission opened an investigation and in August 2023, it entered into an agreement with Gaither to close the investigation as long as he sought assistance and training in managing his caseload. However, the problems in Gaither’s court persisted and appeared to be spreading. In July 2025, one of his former magistrate judges had 98 motions or orders pending and 391 cases with incomplete tasks, without future hearing dates or with open warrants.
In December 2025, the Qualifications Commission withdrew from the deferred resolution agreement and reopened its investigation of Gaither.
The charges filed by the commission listed several instances where Gaither allegedly failed to issue orders which delayed the resolution of cases and as a result of his “dereliction of duties,” seven special judges had to be appointed to handle some of those matters.
Cases that were removed from Gaither’s docket and given to another judge included a petition for a successor guardian of a minor that was pending for more than six months, and a father’s petition to modify custody, parenting time, and support had been pending for more than 60 days.
Other stalled cases remained in Gaither’s court docket, including two which had hearings in 2025, but as of the date the commission’s charges were filed, no orders in those cases had been issued.
In November 2024, Gaither presided over a hearing to modify child support but had not issued a written order by August 2025. When the mother filed a pro se motion seeking the order, Gaither held another hearing on the matter in October 2025 but did not issue the order until March 2026. Also, in another case, Gaither failed to issue an order of dissolution of marriage for more than 11 months.
Along with allegations that Gaither failed to supervise his magistrate judge, the charges assert he also did not supervise his staff, which resulted in hearing dates either not being scheduled or delayed. Moreover, when Gaither described the training on the court’s case management system to be “ineffective,” he did not secure additional training for his staff or seek out guidance from his judicial colleagues.
Failure to correct administrative errors
The charging document for Salinas reveals that in September 2023, the Qualifications Commission was investigating all the judges in the criminal division of the Marion County Superior Court system. Administrative errors were alleged to have continued to cause “adverse consequences for litigants,” including delayed releases from jail.
Based on the judges’ cooperation and implementation of a set of recommendations, the Qualifications Commission dismissed the investigation in June 2024. However, Salinas’ court still struggled and in August 2025, an investigation was opened, according to the commission’s statement of charges.
Salinas is alleged to have failed to supervise his staff to ensure that cases and orders were entered properly into the case management system. As a result, the statement of charges alleges, two defendants were held in jail for weeks after they should have been released and around October 2025, Salinas received notice that 427 cases were awaiting completion of the expungement process.
Also, missing entries and orders caused a warrant to be issued four years after a defendant had been charged with burglary. In addition, two defendants waited years to have their hearings scheduled and eventually the state dismissed the cases because Salinas failed to try the cases in a timely manner.
The Qualifications Commission’s investigation found that although Salinas had granted the state’s motion for a psychiatric examination to determine a defendant’s competence to stand trial, an order was never entered into the case management system. Consequently, the defendant, who represented himself, was tried and convicted of sexual battery, a Level 6 felony, without having undergone a psychological assessment.
Moreover, the investigation turned up several cases in which amended judgments for alternative misdemeanor sentences were not entered into the system. Included were two cases where the defendants had been successfully discharged from probation, but Salinas had not issued their amended judgments until more than 1,500 days later.
The Indiana Supreme Court ultimately decides what, if any, sanctions are imposed in judicial disciplinary cases. (Photo/File)
What happens next?
The Indiana Supreme Court will ultimately determine what, if any, sanctions Gaither and Salinas will face.
Both judges now have 20 days in which they may file their answers to the charges. After that window has closed, the Supreme Court will have 30 days to appoint three masters, who must be either sitting or retired Indiana judges, to preside over the public disciplinary hearings for each judge. At the conclusion of those hearings, the masters will submit a report to the Supreme Court, which could include recommendations for sanctions if they find the judges violated the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Each judge will have the option of trying to settle with the Qualifications Commission and enter into a conditional agreement, which would include an agreed-upon punishment, at any time during this process. Such an agreement would have to be approved by the Supreme Court.
The sanctions could range from a reprimand to a suspension to removal from the bench.
In 2025, the Qualifications Commission had 40 cases in which it either required judges to respond to allegations of misconduct or launched investigations. Of the cases that were closed last year, most were resolved with the commission issuing either advisory letters or private cautions. The commission filed charges against two judges which were resolved with conditional agreements, including one that imposed a 30-day suspension without pay.
Gaither’s case could remain unresolved through Election Day on Nov. 3, potentially leaving voters to make a decision on whether to retain him without knowing what, if any, sanction might be imposed.
Schumm questioned how many Marion County voters would know that Gaither is facing misconduct charges or even take the time to do research on judicial candidates – especially since upwards of 15 judges will appear on the ballot for retention. Moreover, he did not foresee a situation where the voters might retain Gaither but later the Supreme Court would boot him from the bench.
“It’s very uncommon that a judge gets removed,” Schumm said. “Usually, if someone gets a 30-day suspension, that’s pretty remarkable. What’s more common is people get public reprimands.”
Dwight Adams, an editor and writer based in Indianapolis, edited this article. He is a former content editor, copy editor and digital producer at The Indianapolis Star and IndyStar.com, and worked as a planner for other newspapers, including the Louisville Courier Journal.
The Indiana Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed and engaged Hoosier citizens. We are operated by the Indiana Citizen Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. For questions about the story, contact Marilyn Odendahl at marilyn.odendahl@indianacitizen.org.
Investigators say Patricia Browne was hired through a Craigslist ad before 17 unauthorized checks were written from the woman’s account
By Brody Wooddell
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A caregiver hired to help a 93-year-old Brevard County woman is accused of exploiting her and cashing thousands of dollars in unauthorized checks, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Patricia Eileen Browne was hired earlier this year as Marilyn Cosgrove’s live-in caregiver after Cosgrove’s family posted an advertisement on Craigslist, investigators said.
The arrangement began April 1 and allowed Browne to live in the home without paying rent or utilities in exchange for providing care. She was also supposed to receive $1,000 per month for her work.
Investigators say the arrangement took a turn after Cosgrove’s family learned of suspicious activity involving her bank account.
17 checks totaling $6,500
According to the affidavit, Space Coast Credit Union identified 17 checks made payable to Browne during May.
Cosgrove’s daughter told investigators neither she nor her mother signed or authorized the checks.
Cosgrove also told investigators she did not manage her own finances and was unaware of the checks. A handwriting sample taken from her did not match the signatures appearing on the checks, according to the affidavit.
Investigators said the checks ranged from $250 to $500 and totaled $6,500.
The family became suspicious after the credit union restricted Cosgrove’s account because of the activity. Investigators determined that the checks came from two checkbooks the family said they did not know existed in the home.
Bank surveillance reviewed
Detectives obtained bank records and surveillance video from Space Coast Credit Union.
According to the affidavit, the fraudulent checks were negotiated at three different credit union locations in Brevard County.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed a woman matching Browne’s appearance conducting the transactions. Detectives also noted what they described as a distinctive tattoo on her right forearm that helped support the identification.
The affidavit says surveillance also showed Browne riding in the rear passenger seat of the same vehicle while it was used during the check transactions.
Browne denied wrongdoing
Investigators interviewed Browne in June.
She acknowledged that she had an agreement to care for Cosgrove and was supposed to receive $1,000 per month, according to the affidavit.
When questioned about the 17 checks, Browne said she was unsure who had signed them and assumed Cosgrove’s daughter had written them.
Investigators said Browne disputed cashing checks totaling $6,500 and maintained that she only cashed checks she was authorized to receive. She denied wrongdoing.
Driver tells investigators about frequent bank trips
Investigators also interviewed a woman who said she had initially met Browne while working as a Lyft driver.
The driver said Browne later began contacting her directly for rides and that she drove Browne approximately 20 times over about two months.
According to the affidavit, the driver said many of those trips involved taking Browne to banks and other locations. She told investigators Browne typically paid her about $100 in cash for a day of transportation.
The driver eventually stopped providing rides because she became concerned Browne might be exploiting the elderly woman she cared for, according to investigators.
Multiple charges listed in warrant
The arrest warrant affidavit alleges Browne committed organized fraud involving less than $20,000, exploitation of an elderly person, 17 counts of uttering a forged instrument and 17 counts of cashing or depositing a check with intent to defraud.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said Browne has since been located.
The allegations against Browne have not been proven in court.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A Savannah family is suing Riverview Health & Rehab Center, alleging an incapacitated woman was neglected, physically abused and sexually assaulted while in the facility’s care.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the woman, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe,” and her legal guardian, Katrina Best.
At a news conference Monday, attorney Chadwick Mance said the case centers on what he described as failures by Riverview Health and other defendants to protect a vulnerable resident.
“We’ve alleged that Jane Doe was repeatedly neglected, physically abused, sexually assaulted and harmed while dependent upon the care of the Riverview defendants,” Mance said.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe is an adult who has been determined by a court that she is unable to make their own decisions. Jane Doe relies on others for basic care, including feeding, bathing, mobility and decision-making.
Best said she trusted the facility to keep her loved one safe.
“It’s really very disturbing, upsetting,” Best said. “You put your trust in this place. So going through the years, you can receive apologies, apologies, apologies. But at one point we have to say enough is enough.”
The lawsuit alleges Jane Doe was sexually assaulted by another resident, identified in the case as “Resident 64.”
Mance said Riverview had been warned about the resident before the alleged assault involving Jane Doe.
According to an expert’s written statement attached to the complaint, the facility had documented or received reports involving Resident 64 dating back to 2023. Those allegations included unwanted touching, entering female residents’ rooms, kissing residents without consent and other sexually inappropriate behavior.
Mance said those previous incidents should have prompted additional safeguards.
“The central question in this case is not simply what one employee or one resident did or did not do,” Mance said. “Instead, it is what Riverview knew and when it knew it, what responsibilities arose from that knowledge and why.”
The lawsuit also alleges that a former certified nursing assistant threw a mechanical lift pad at a resident on Oct. 28, 2024.
State inspection records cited in the case document an incident involving a CNA and a mechanical lift pad.
Best said she did not learn the full details surrounding the alleged sexual assault directly from Riverview.
She said she learned more after reviewing a government report and speaking with another resident.
“Once the report finally came out, all of the details, that’s when I found out,” Best said.
A state inspection conducted in February documented allegations involving verbal, sexual and physical abuse and cited failures related to reporting and investigating certain allegations, according to records referenced by the lawsuit.
The records also show Resident 64 was placed under one-on-one supervision.
Mance said the lawsuit alleges the facility failed in several areas, including abuse prevention, supervision, mandatory reporting, investigations and nursing assessments.
Best said Jane Doe remains at Riverview while the family works to move her to another facility.
She said the process has been difficult.
“They don’t really communicate with me,” Best said. “I have not even received an apology from them.”
Best said the experience has changed how she views nursing-home care and encouraged families with loved ones in facilities to remain involved.
“Visit all day, and I’ll schedule through the night to really see what’s going on,” she said.
The lawsuit names multiple entities connected to the operation of the facility.
Mance said skilled nursing facilities can involve separate ownership, management, contracting and corporate entities, making it necessary to determine which entities may have responsibility for a resident’s care.
He also said the case could lead to broader scrutiny of how vulnerable residents are protected in long-term care facilities.
“This is about every parent. It’s about every sister, brother, grandparent, veteran and person with a disability whose life depends upon the integrity of a skilled nursing facility or caregiver,” Mance said.
The lawsuit is seeking damages and other relief. The case remains pending in court.
WSAV reached out to Riverview Health for comment. The facility said it could not comment at this time.
The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.
Brigitte Stegemann's granddaughter says the 83-year-old cried and said she had 'made a mistake' two days before her death
By Rachel del Guidice
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255).
The family of an 83-year-old Canadian woman is demanding answers after she died through the country's medical assistance in dying program despite allegedly becoming distraught when told the procedure would end her life and showing signs of cognitive decline, according to a report.
The Daily Mail reported Sunday that an 83-year-old Christian grandmother, Brigitte Stegemann, was killed under Canada’s physician-assisted suicide program, called Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), on July 10.
Her granddaughter, Brigitte Kranendonk, said that she was her grandmother’s primary caregiver and that her family had decided to place Stegemann at The Pearl care home in Cannifton due to physical and mental decline.
Brigitte Kranendonk gestures with her grandmother Brigitte Stegemann.(Family Handout)
But according to Kranendonk, her grandmother still had a good appetite even following a stomach cancer diagnosis, and rejected the idea of using MAiD when it was presented as an option.
Everything changed, however, in June when Kranendonk left to go on a 10-day road trip with her husband.
Kranendonk said she remained in regular contact with the care home and was told her grandmother had fallen and would need a wheelchair, but said she was not initially alerted to any dramatic decline.
Canada's medical assistance in dying program is under scrutiny after an 83-year-old care home resident allegedly showed cognitive decline and distress before her euthanasia death.(iStock)
Then, on July 3, near the end of her trip, Kranendonk said she received a call informing her that the home planned to arrange a MAiD assessment for Stegemann, despite her grandmother previously telling her that she did not want an assisted death.
Kranendonk said, according to The Daily Mail, that when she returned, she asked a nurse at The Pearl about who had initiated the MAiD conversation.
"The nurse became very abrasive, very defensive," Kranendonk told The Daily Mail. "She was like, ‘Well, I’m just trying to advocate for her. I’m just trying to do what’s right for her.’"
After returning from her trip, Kranendonk said she found out her grandmother had already had her first MAID consultation.
The granddaughter also alleged that Stegemann struggled during an assessment of her mental capacity, incorrectly answering questions about members of her own family.
The Daily Mail reported Sunday that an 83-year-old Christian grandmother, Brigitte Stegemann, was killed under Canada’s physician-assisted suicide program, called Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), on July 10.(iStock)
Kranendonk said she was present for Stegemann's second MAID assesment, and said that the doctor used "really loose terms, never using the words death or dying."
"She explains MAID to my grandmother by saying: 'We’re going to give you medicine, you’re going to feel at peace. And I just want you to know that you won’t have a bowel movement,'" Kranendonk said.
When Kranendonk interjected and said, "She doesn’t understand what you’re saying," the doctor allegedly looked at Stegemann and said, "We’re going to make sure you won’t have any more pain."
According to a doctor, Stegemann was "deemed fit for MAID, and we're going to proceed," The Daily Mail reported.
Kranendonk said that two days before Stegemann's death, she asked her grandmother directly whether she understood that the scheduled procedure meant she would die.
An elderly resident sits with a walker at a nursing home.(Getty Images)
According to Kranendonk's account to the outlet, Stegemann began crying and said she had "made a mistake."
Stegemann was allegedly told by the doctor her grandmother could "deny" MAiD on the day of the procedure, but Stegemann was already unsure if her grandmother had actually consented to it, did not want to cause her more stress, and wanted to enjoy what could be the last few days she had left with her grandmother.
During the procedure, Kranendonk said the nurse who was administering the IV was not wearing gloves and had a hard time putting it into her right arm, piercing her grandmother many times, which resulted in "blood all over the place."
The doctor then came and told Stegemann she was there to give her "medicine," which she did not respond to.
Brigitte Kranendonk sits with her grandmother Brigitte Stegemann.(Family Handout)
"My Oma is not moving," Kranendonk said. "She doesn't open her eyes. She doesn't nod. She doesn't say anything, and the doctor just said: ‘Okay, well, I'm going to proceed.’"
Kranendonk said her grandmother was dead within 10 minutes.
Kranendonk said she wishes she would have applied for a legal injunction to stop the MAiD from occurring, but also said she was not aware she had the option.
She is appealing to the Chief Coroner’s Office in Ontario, as well as the Patient Ombudsman and Belleville Police, to investigate if what happened was legal.
According to the BBC, Canada’s MAID law, which legalized euthanasia in 2016, is responsible for one in every 20 deaths in Canada.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Kranendonk said, "My grandmother was a vulnerable senior who was let down when the doctors and home bypassed every safeguard put in place to protect her — from assessing her mental capacity, to getting her clear, final consent before acting and the home filling out paperwork and having her sign when we were not there, and giving us copies. I will not stop until there is a full investigation into how this was allowed to happen behind closed doors."
Brigitte Kranendonk hugs her grandmother Brigitte Stegemann.(Family Handout)
Mira Metter, Director of "Broken Country," a film about the decline of the country over the last two decades, said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "What is particularly troubling about this case is that it raises questions Canadians should be asking about whether MAID’s safeguards are protecting vulnerable people as intended."
Metter added, "A compassionate healthcare system should ensure that when someone is at their most vulnerable, every reasonable avenue for care and support has been explored before death is presented as an option. MAID may be legal in Canada, but legality cannot be the end of the conversation."
Laura Echevarria, National Right to Life's communications director and press secretary, told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Euthanasia and assisted suicide cross a line medicine should never cross: from caring for patients to intentionally ending their lives. The most vulnerable among us deserve protection, compassion, and care—not death presented as medical treatment. No safeguard can undo a mistake once a patient is dead."
Fox News Digital reached out to The Pearl and Belleville Police for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Gail Youngdale’s story is one of second chances — a new marriage, a renewed sense of independence, and a role in a national campaign aimed at advancing Alzheimer’s research.
A resident of Spruce Creek South who is charged with ripping off an 81-year-old dementia patient is back in jail after skipping a court date.
Brenda Joyce Bova, 76, was booked without bond Friday evening at the Marion County Jail after forfeiting her previous $8,500 bond by ignoring a mandatory court date.
Brenda Bova
Bova had been arrested earlier this year after it was discovered that she and two accomplices had drained the financial resources of the woman who lived across the street in the 55+ community in Summerfield.
Bova was the third suspect apprehended in connection with the elder exploitation investigation, following the previous arrests of Brenda Lee and Paul Rhodes, who also are charged with taking advantage of the fragile woman.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Bova had been the victim’s neighbor for approximately five years and was well aware of her diminished mental state. Bova allegedly told other neighbors she was going to get Power of Attorney (POA) to take over the victim’s bank accounts, and admitted to investigators she knew the victim had to write notes just to remember basic tasks, like going to the bank.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) officially deemed the victim mentally incapacitated and lacking the capacity to consent earlier this year.
Despite knowing this, Bova allegedly acted as a co-conspirator and official witness on May 22 to help execute a fraudulent Durable POA, granting Lee primary control over the victim, while Bova established herself as the POA over the victim’s finances.
The affidavit alleges a disturbing pattern of financial abuse that quickly followed:
• Bova convinced the victim to stop using her original bank account and transfer approximately $30,000 into a new account.
• On June 25, Bova called the victim’s retirement company, TIAA. She deliberately impersonated the victim to bypass security protocols and liquidated $30,873.09 in annuity and retirement accounts. Bova falsely claimed the victim’s home was facing foreclosure and directed the funds to an account she and Lee controlled.
Bova and Lee facilitated the sale of the victim’s vehicle to Rhodes for just $5,000 in cash, despite its actual value being between $11,765 and $13,940. Rhodes flipped the car 32 days later for $8,000. Of the initial $5,000 cash, $2,000 remains unaccounted for.
When law enforcement and DCF investigators began looking into the depleted funds, Bova and Lee attempted to cover their tracks by fabricating and inflating business receipts, the affidavit stated. They altered a $400 notary receipt to show $825 and completely fabricated a $500 accounting receipt in the name of Lee’s boyfriend.
Bova also admitted to receiving a $460 check from the victim’s account, written by Lee, claiming it was for driving the victim “all over the place” and buying a couple of lunches.
Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced two bills to protect senior citizens from financial harm: H.R. 10242, the Janie Wynn Protecting Elders From Financial Exploitation Act, and H.R. 10243, the Protecting Elders From Government Error Act.
The Janie Wynn Protecting Elders From Financial Exploitation Act directs the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to issue a rule within 180 days requiring fraud alerts on pre-approved credit cards issued to seniors, sent both to the cardholder and to a trusted contact of their choosing.
It also requires banks and credit unions to train fraud detection employees to recognize account activity associated with elder exploitation and to notify the accountholder within 24 hours. Read the text here.
The Protecting Elders From Government Error Act bars the Social Security Administration from clawing back old-age benefit overpayments that the agency itself caused and failed to catch within six months, and caps monthly withholding at 5 % where recovery is still permitted. The protections do not extend to beneficiaries who have committed fraud.
“Every American elder should feel secure in their own home and also in the financial realm. These bills are designed to protect our elders from predatory creditors, social security errors, and government bureaucracy,” said Congressman Clay Higgins.
