Six Indictments in Scam Allegedly Targeting Nursing Home Residents

State officials recently arrested six people suspected in a scam that allegedly bilked Jackson nursing home residents out of more than $25,000.

The arrests include a former administrator and social worker at Belhaven Senior Care, where all of the victims lived, according to Attorney General Jim Hood.
Ponchie McCollough, the 36-year-old Belhaven Senior Care social worker, allegedly got residents and their families to write checks to her and others ranging from $400 to $2,500, according to the indictment.

"This is a good example of why it is so important to watch closely over your elderly loved ones," said Hood, whose office is investigating the case. "Get to know their caregivers, ask questions and check their finances regularly to make sure no one is stealing from them."

McCollough is charged with 19 counts of felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one count of conspiracy exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Also indicted were:

•Former administrator Brad Burt, 35, of Brookhaven, charged with one count of felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult and 14 counts of accessory after the fact.

•Jessica McKinney, 21, of Jackson, charged with two counts of felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one conspiracy count.

•Madeline Floyd, 23, of Jackson, charged with one count of felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one conspiracy count.

Two employees with Natchez-based Trend Consultants, the company that owns Belhaven Senior Care, were also indicted. They are operations director Justin Johnson, 30, of Natchez, and billing specialist Tina Brewer, 43, of Vidalia, La. Both are charged with 14 felony counts of accessory after the fact in the exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

The indictment alleges the acts occurred from August 2008 to May 2009.

Full Article and Source:
Alleged Scam Targets Elderly Residents