Woman scammed 87-year-old widow out of $100k in romance scam, warrant says

Lori Mitchell, 59, of Fort Lauderdale, is facing charges of grand theft and exploitation of an elderly person 

By NBC6 

A South Florida woman is facing serious charges after she defrauded an 87-year-old widow out of over $100,000 by manipulating him into believing they were in a romantic relationship, authorities said.

Lori Mitchell, 59, of Fort Lauderdale, is facing charges of grand theft and exploitation of an elderly person, according to an arrest report from the Broward Sheriff's Office.

The alleged crimes happened between November 2011 and February 2013, according to an arrest warrant. During that time, Mitchell allegedly befriended the then-87-year-old victim, who was lonely after his wife died, and offered to do some interior decorating in his home.

According to the warrant, Mitchell convinced the victim that they were in a romantic relationship by spending time with him and going on dinner dates.

Mitchell would ask the victim for cash loans to fix a million-dollar home in Long Island that she claimed she owned and needed to sell, and promised she would pay him back, the warrant said.

The victim would take out cash loans from several accounts, and the loans eventually totaled up to $108,310, the warrant said. The victim also allegedly helped Mitchell lease a brand-new vehicle, took her out shopping and out to dinner a few times a week.

In the final month of their relationship, Mitchell asked the victim for another $20,000, and the victim turned her down, saying he was in financial hardship and could no longer support her, the warrant said. Mitchell proceeded to ignore the victim and no longer contacted him.

"The defendant made the elderly victim believe that they were in a romantic relationship and preyed upon his loneliness to obtain financial gain," the warrant concluded.

Mitchell was arrested Friday and appeared in bond court on Saturday, where a judge set her bond to $50,000.

The victim died in 2023, according to a prosecutor. 

Full Article & Source:
Woman scammed 87-year-old widow out of $100k in romance scam, warrant says

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial exploitation. The Department of Children & Family Services joined Daybreak to discuss. 

Source:
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse 

Latest on Cher’s Conservatorship Battle Over Her Son

By Aidan Lambourne

Cher remains locked in a legal battle over the well-being and finances of her son, Elijah Blue Allman, after a Los Angeles judge denied her latest request for a temporary conservatorship.

The court ruled on April 24 that there was not “sufficient urgency” to justify placing Allman under a conservatorship. In despite of Cher’s claims that her 49-year-old son struggles with severe mental health and substance abuse issues, per TMZ. The judge denied the request without prejudice, which means Cher can file again at a later date.

Allman appeared remotely at the hearing from a psychiatric hospital in New Hampshire. He is reportedly being held there while undergoing competency-related proceedings connected to criminal charges. Authorities previously arrested him on allegations including burglary, trespassing, assault, and criminal mischief earlier this year.

Cher Argued That Her Son Was “Gravely Disabled”

Cher argued in court filings that her son is “gravely disabled” and unable to responsibly manage money from a trust established by his late father, musician Gregg Allman. According to the filings, she claimed he spent trust distributions on drugs, luxury hotels, and limousine services. The judge, however, said the evidence did not prove that Allman lacked legal capacity or that immediate intervention was necessary.

At the same time, new court documents obtained by TMZ indicate that Allman plans to enter a residential treatment facility as part of efforts tied to his legal and mental health challenges. His legal team told the court that New Hampshire bail conditions require him to participate in a dual-diagnosis treatment program focused on mental health and substance use disorder recovery.

The family dispute has also expanded into financial matters. In recent filings connected to his divorce proceedings with estranged wife Marieangela King, Allman claimed Cher stopped financially supporting him in 2021. He said he now relies mainly on monthly trust payments from his father’s estate. He also is seeking to reduce court-ordered spousal support payments.

Cher first sought conservatorship over her son in 2023. She withdrew the case after the two sides reached a private agreement. The current dispute signals that tensions surrounding Allman’s health, finances, and legal troubles remain unresolved. 

Full Article & Source:
Latest on Cher’s Conservatorship Battle Over Her Son 

See Also:
Judge Denies Cher’s Bid for Emergency Conservatorship Over Son Elijah Blue Allman

Where Seniors Are Targeted by Scams — 2026 Study

Written by Toby Nelson

Millions of older Americans are targeted by financial scams each year. One analysis published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury found $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in just a 12-month period. As digital banking, payments and communication become more common, scammers have more ways to reach victims and impersonate trusted institutions. Phishing scams, including business imposter and government imposter fraud, are among the most common methods used to target older Americans. 

SmartAsset analyzed fraud reports filed with the Federal Trade Commission by state and age group to determine which areas show the highest rate of reported scams involving residents age 60 and older. The analysis also identified the most common scam type targeting older Americans in each state. 

Key Findings 

• This popular retirement state recorded the highest rate of reported scams involving older Americans. Arizona led the analysis with seven reports involving residents age 60 and older per 1,000 people in that age group. Delaware and Colorado followed in the rankings.
• North Dakota recorded the lowest rate of reported scams involving older Americans. With just three reports involving residents age 60 and older for every 1,000 people in that age group, North Dakota had the fewest reported incidents in the analysis.
• Business imposter scams were the most commonly reported scam type involving older Americans in most states. Among the 10 most common scam types, older Americans most often reported business imposter scams in every state except Alaska, Iowa, Maryland, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia. In those states, residents most often reported government imposter scams. 
• Older Americans report job fraud and online shopping fraud less often than younger groups. Nationwide, reports involving older Americans were less likely than those involving younger age groups to cite either scam type.

States Where Older Americans are Targeted for Financial Fraud

1. Arizona
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 7.0
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 12%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
2. Delaware
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 6.9
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 10%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
3. Colorado
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 6.8
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
4. Washington
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 6.4
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 14%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
5. New Mexico
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 6.3
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 16%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
6. Alaska
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 6.1
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Government imposters
7. Maryland
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.9
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 8%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Government imposters
8. Nevada
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.8
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 8%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
9. Oregon
   • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.7
   • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 14%
   • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
10. Vermont
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.5
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 20%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Government imposters
11. Utah
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.4
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 12%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
12. Florida
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.2
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 7%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
13. Hawaii
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 14%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
14. New Hampshire
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 15%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
15. South Carolina
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
16. Virginia
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 5.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
17. Montana
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.9
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 17%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
18. Wyoming
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.9
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 14%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
19. California
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.8
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
20. Georgia
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.8
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 5%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
21. Idaho
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.8
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 14%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
22. Alabama
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.6
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 8%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
23. Nebraska
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.6
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
24. Connecticut
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.5
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
25. Maine
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.5
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 16%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
26. North Carolina
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.5
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 8%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
27. Rhode Island
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.5
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 11%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
28. Indiana
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.4
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 10%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
29. Minnesota
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.4
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
30. Kansas
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.3
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
31. Massachusetts
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.3
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 10%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
32. New Jersey
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.3
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 7%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
33. Texas
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.3
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 6%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
34. Missouri
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.2
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
35. Tennessee
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.2
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
36. Wisconsin
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.2
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
37. Illinois
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 7%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
38. Michigan
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 9%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
39. Ohio
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 10%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
40. Pennsylvania
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 8%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
41. Arkansas
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.0
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 10%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
42. New York
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.0
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 7%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
43. Oklahoma
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 4.0
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 11%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
44. Kentucky
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.9
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 12%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
45. South Dakota
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.8
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 14%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Government imposters
46. Mississippi
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.7
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 7%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
47. Louisiana
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.6
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 6%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters
48. Iowa
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.5
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Government imposters
49. West Virginia
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.1
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 13%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Government imposters
50. North Dakota
    • Fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000: 3.0
    • Share of all fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older: 10%
    • Top scam type affecting victims ages 60 and older: Business imposters

Methodology

This analysis examined fraud reports submitted to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024, the most recent year for which data was available. To evaluate where older Americans may be most frequently targeted, the number of fraud reports involving victims ages 60 and older per 1,000 residents in that age group in each of the 50 states was calculated. Population estimates for residents ages 60 and older were drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 state population estimates. In addition to this primary rate, the share of all fraud reports in each state involving victims age 60 and older was calculated to provide additional context. States were ranked based on the rate of reports per 1,000 residents age 60 and older, and the most commonly reported scam type affecting that age group in each state was identified using FTC complaint categorization data. Because FTC data reflects reported incidents rather than all instances of fraud, actual fraud levels may be higher than reported totals, and differences in reporting behavior may influence comparisons. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Butsaya 

Full Article & Source:
Where Seniors Are Targeted by Scams — 2026 Study 

Accountant accused of stealing $13,500 from elderly client with cognitive decline

Story by Jake Jordan

A Marion County accountant is charged with serious fraud after investigators claim she stole money from clients, including an elderly woman with cognitive decline.

Cara Lee Priess, age 55, was taken into custody on May 5, 2026, by the Ocala Police Department based on a warrant from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. She faces charges of organized fraud, grand theft, and elderly exploitation.

Investigators say the case began in 2024, when the owner of GoldMark Farm reported suspicious payments to Priess, who had been hired to handle the farm’s bills and taxes.

According to deputies, the farm owner discovered large invoices for accounting “deep dives” that were never requested. The invoices claimed 688 hours of work and totaled nearly $190,000.

Detectives discovered payments made to Priess that were reportedly not correctly recorded in the farm’s accounting records.

Months later, investigators uncovered another case involving an 89-year-old woman who trusted Priess as her accountant.

Authorities state that Priess issued checks to herself from the victim’s account and forged her signature. Detectives reported that the elderly victim, who has cognitive impairments, told them she would pay whatever Priess requested.

Records showed about $13,500 in fraudulent checks were deposited into Priess’ account, investigators said.

During interviews, Priess claimed she possessed documents verifying the transactions’ legitimacy. However, investigators state she never handed over the records and ultimately ceased communication with law enforcement.

After reviewing financial records and subpoenas, detectives secured an arrest warrant in April 2026. 

Full Article & Source:  
Accountant accused of stealing $13,500 from elderly client with cognitive decline

The Media’s Role in Exposing Elder Abuse: Why Awareness Must Lead to Accountability

"The media has always played a pivotal role in shaping society, but its responsibility extends beyond informing it must also protect, advocate, and hold systems accountable."

By: Sponsored Post of Barrett Media

In an age where media shapes public perception and drives social accountability, its role in uncovering critical issues cannot be overstated. One such issue often hidden behind closed doors is elder abuse in nursing homes. Investigative journalism, local reporting, and digital media platforms have become powerful tools in exposing these injustices and giving a voice to vulnerable populations. For families seeking justice, resources like a Mount Pleasant Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer can be essential, but awareness often begins with what the media chooses to spotlight.

The Silent Crisis in Nursing Homes

Elder abuse remains significantly underreported. According to global estimates, millions of older adults experience some form of neglect, physical harm, or emotional abuse each year. Yet, due to fear, cognitive decline, or lack of access to reporting channels, many cases never reach authorities.

This is where media outlets, especially those focused on community storytelling and investigative reporting step in. By bringing these stories to light, journalists not only inform the public but also pressure institutions to act responsibly.

How Media Coverage Drives Change

Historically, some of the most impactful reforms in healthcare and senior living have followed extensive media coverage. When local or national outlets highlight patterns of neglect or systemic failures, it often leads to:

• Government investigations
• Policy changes and stricter regulations
• Increased funding for oversight
• Greater public awareness and advocacy

The media doesn’t just report, it creates momentum. A well-researched feature or exposé can lead to real-world consequences for negligent facilities.

The Responsibility of Modern Media Platforms

With the rise of digital media, the speed and reach of information have expanded dramatically. Platforms like podcasts, online publications, and social media channels now complement traditional journalism.

For a site like Barrett Media, which understands the evolving media landscape, there’s an opportunity to emphasize how broadcasters, content creators, and journalists can use their platforms responsibly. Covering elder abuse is not just about reporting facts it’s about storytelling with purpose, sensitivity, and accuracy.

Ethical Storytelling and Victim Protection

Reporting on nursing home abuse requires a delicate balance. Journalists must ensure that:

• Victims’ identities are protected when necessary
• Information is verified and not sensationalized
• Families are approached with empathy
• Legal processes are respected

Ethical storytelling builds trust and ensures that the focus remains on justice rather than exploitation.

Legal Support and Media Synergy

While media exposure brings awareness, legal action brings accountability. Families often turn to professionals like a Mount Pleasant Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to pursue justice once abuse is uncovered.

Interestingly, media coverage can strengthen legal cases by:

• Documenting patterns of negligence
• Encouraging whistleblowers to come forward
• Providing publicly available evidence
• Highlighting regulatory failures

This synergy between media and legal advocacy creates a powerful framework for change.

The Role of Local Journalism

Local media outlets are often the first to report on incidents within communities. Their proximity allows for deeper investigation and stronger connections with affected families.

However, local journalism has faced funding challenges in recent years. Supporting these outlets is crucial because they play a frontline role in identifying issues like nursing home abuse before they escalate.

Digital Storytelling and Audience Engagement

Today’s audiences consume content differently. Interactive storytelling, video reports, and social media threads can amplify the reach of important issues.

For example:

• Short-form videos can quickly highlight key concerns
• Podcasts can explore survivor stories in depth
• Data journalism can reveal systemic patterns

These formats make complex issues more accessible and engaging, ensuring that the message reaches a broader audience.

Challenges in Reporting Elder Abuse

Despite its importance, covering elder abuse comes with obstacles:

• Limited access to facilities
• Legal restrictions and privacy laws
• Fear of retaliation among staff or victims
• Difficulty in verifying claims

Journalists must navigate these challenges carefully while maintaining integrity and accuracy.

Why This Topic Matters for Media Professionals

For media professionals and platforms like Barrett Media, covering topics like nursing home abuse aligns with a broader mission using media as a force for good.

This type of reporting:

• Builds credibility and trust with audiences
• Demonstrates social responsibility
• Encourages meaningful conversations
• Positions media outlets as advocates for change

It’s not just about content it’s about impact.

Taking Action Beyond Awareness

Awareness is only the first step. Readers, listeners, and viewers who encounter stories about elder abuse should feel empowered to act. This can include:

• Reporting suspected abuse
• Supporting advocacy organizations
• Engaging in community discussions
• Seeking legal help when necessary

In many cases, connecting with a Mount Pleasant Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer can help families understand their rights and pursue justice effectively.

Conclusion

The media has always played a pivotal role in shaping society, but its responsibility extends beyond informing it must also protect, advocate, and hold systems accountable. By shedding light on nursing home abuse, media professionals can drive real change, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not forgotten.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the commitment to ethical, impactful storytelling must remain constant. Because when the media speaks up, it doesn’t just tell a story it can change lives. 

Full Article & Source:
The Media’s Role in Exposing Elder Abuse: Why Awareness Must Lead to Accountability 

'Teach them a lesson': Woman left incapacitated family members covered in their own waste as 'punishment,' police say

by Jerry Lambe

A 51-year-old woman in Indiana is accused of forcing her elderly father and developmentally delayed brother to live in "overwhelming" squalor, allegedly leaving the victims covered in their own waste because she wanted to "teach them a lesson" about hygiene.

Kathryn Ann Payton, of Evansville, is charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent. Following her arrest and booking, Payton posted bond and has since been released from detention, court records show.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, the harrowing conditions inside the apartment were only discovered after a pest control company attempted to conduct a routine quarterly treatment on May 1. When the technician encountered a resident who appeared unwell and was physically covered in waste, the apartment complex manager contacted police for a welfare check.

Upon arrival, responding officers encountered a scene described as "overwhelming to the point that it caused nausea." Inside the residence, police located Payton's father, a "medically frail" man suffering from cognitive decline, and her brother, who is developmentally delayed and suffers from multiple physical ailments.

Both men were reportedly found "covered in urine and feces" with clothing and bedding that was "extremely soiled." Investigators noted that feces — consistent with both human and animal waste — was found on the floors, on the furniture where the men sat, and even on a pillow where the father slept.

Medical personnel who arrived on the scene documented a severe lack of care that had persisted for an extended period. One of the men was found in a recliner with a "labored, hacking cough" and clothing soaked in waste "down to the knees," and he appeared to have remained in that state for several days. His oxygen levels were recorded at a dangerously low 87%.

The other man, located in a back bedroom, was unable to stand without assistance and was found with "open sores on his body" and a "rattling cough."

When questioned by authorities, Payton identified herself as the primary caregiver for both men. She initially claimed she did not know why they had not cleaned themselves and stated she had checked on them earlier in the day. However, her narrative reportedly shifted as she admitted she was fully aware of the unsanitary conditions and the fact that the men were living in their own waste.

Payton allegedly told investigators that because the two men would not clean themselves, she "showed them" by removing their television and Amazon Fire Stick so they could not watch TV. She further admitted to not helping in order to "teach them a lesson," according to statements provided by emergency medical technicians included in the affidavit.

The neglect reportedly extended to their basic medical needs as well. Despite the rattling cough and weakened state of her brother, Payton allegedly told police that he had been sick for approximately a week but had not been taken to a doctor. She reportedly told investigators that if he chose not to go to a physician, "he would just sit with it."

The investigation also apparently revealed a stark disparity in living conditions. While Payton's father and brother were confined to the filth of the apartment, authorities discovered that Payton was residing in a separate home in the 600 block of Kingswood Drive —a residence actually owned by her father. The apartment manager also informed police they were unaware the brother was even residing in the Lincoln Avenue unit.

Based on the observations at the scene, investigators determined that both men lacked the "mental or physical ability to care for themselves," rendering Payton's "punishment" of the cognitively impaired men both ineffective and dangerous. The affidavit concludes that Payton "knowingly allowed both individuals to remain in a condition where they were covered in feces and urine for an extended period of time," creating an "imminent danger to their life and well-being."

Both victims were transported to Deaconess Gateway Hospital for emergency medical treatment and stabilization. Doctors subsequently admitted both men for further care due to their "medically compromised" states.

Payton's next court appearance has not yet been finalized. The investigation into the extent of the neglect remains ongoing. 

Full Article & Source:
'Teach them a lesson': Woman left incapacitated family members covered in their own waste as 'punishment,' police say 

From Brain Injury to Graduation Marshal: Matt Beth’s Inspiring Story of Recovery, Success

(Auburn University) – Ten years after sustaining a traumatic brain injury that left him without the ability to speak, walk or use the left side of his body, Matt Beth will be graduating with his doctoral degree from Auburn University’s College of Education and has been chosen to represent the Graduate School as its student marshal.

Beth, who uses a wheelchair and a computer-assisted device to speak, defied all odds – and doctors’ expectations – when he enrolled in college at Auburn, a feat that his medical team said would be impossible.

After his injury, choosing Auburn University was largely influenced by geographic convenience, but he said it also stood out as a compelling choice when he was initially deciding where to pursue a college education. CONTINUE 

Source:
From Brain Injury to Graduation Marshal: Matt Beth’s Inspiring Story of Recovery, Success

House, Senate pass law amending probate court procedures

by Alex Appel

A probate bill passed through both the House of Representatives and Senate on Tuesday, May 5. The bill, SB 400, or “An Act Concerning Probate Court Operations,” changes procedures for involuntary conservatorship hearings and expands the training requirements for new judges.

A conservatorship is a legal process in which a person is appointed to manage the financial or personal affairs of an adult.

The bill specifies that every party involved in a hearing for an involuntary conservatorship must be given at least ten days’ notice before a hearing.

Judge Beverly Streit, the probate court administrator for Connecticut, sent a written testimony for a public hearing.

“We appreciate the support of the Committee in clarifying the timing for conservatorship hearings,” Streit wrote. “The language of the bill seeks to more plainly state that notice of the hearing is sent to the parties not less than ten days before the hearing, and the hearing itself must be held not more than thirty days after receipt of the petition. In practice, this has always been a consistent application of the statute. The clarification proposed provides the same consistent approach to articulating the timing of notice and hearings.”

In her testimony, Streit proposed a minor tweak to language for technical purposes—which was made—but otherwise supported the bill. Her proposed change was implemented in the final version of the bill.

Usually, an adult enters a conservatorship if they are incapable of handling their own affairs, either due to age or various medical conditions. In many cases, a person enters a conservatorship voluntarily.

Most of the time, conservatorships are managed by family members. However, there are cases when a probate judge will appoint an attorney to manage a person’s affairs if they have no adult around them, or if they determine that the person’s current conservator should not have that responsibility.

For example, Inside Investigator found one case in the Norwalk Probate Court District where a man voluntarily entered a conservatorship and asked that Rachel Menti, a woman he was not related to, be his conservator. Later, he was admitted to a hospital and Menti allegedly lied and told staff that she was his daughter. After that, the man’s actual relatives filed a complaint with the probate court, and she was removed as his conservator. Then the judge assigned Kristin Exner to be his conservator.

Exner herself has a history of alleged misconduct, including selling a house owned by one of her conservatees to a man with whom she co-owned a real estate company. This transaction came to light in a lawsuit against her.

SB 400 would also allow probate court administrators to audit how a conservator manages the financial affairs of an estate. Previously, they were only able to monitor a conservator’s account.

The bill also adds a mentorship component to training for new judges, allows someone who is under a federal firearms disability restriction and lives outside Connecticut to petition the state to regain their firearm rights if they were removed because of an in-state adjudication or commitment, expands the jurisdiction of probate courts to include name changes for minors, and requires appeals of matters concerning a minor’s guardian or emancipation to be filed in the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters.

The rest of the bill proposes minor, often technical, changes to the operation of probate courts. It also dissolves a working group that was established by a 2025 law to make recommendations on guardian proceedings, policies, and procedures.

Only five members of the House of Representatives were absent or did not vote for the bill. Other than them, every state legislator voted in favor of the bill. If it is signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, every part of the bill will take effect on October 1, 2026, except for the firearms disability provision, which will be implemented on January 1, 2027. 

Full Article & Source:
House, Senate pass law amending probate court procedures