Bernadette Branson-Lawler, 52, of the first block of Meetinghouse Lane, allegedly stole $337,715 from her mother over a period of nearly seven years.
The defendant used the stolen money to pay for various personal expenses such as her interior design business, gym membership, and cell phone, in addition to writing herself personal checks, according to a prepared release.
“Our older residents deserve to fully enjoy their well-earned retirement without the fear of being victimized,” District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland stated in the release. “In this case, Bernadette Branson-Lawler stole that liberty from her own mother, who is not able to speak for herself, betraying the trust of the entire family, and stealing her mother’s life savings for her own leisure and selfish pursuits.”
Charges filed against Branson-Lawler include theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and false impression, and receiving stolen property, all second-degree felony offenses. Her arrest followed an investigation by Detective Sergeant Anthony Ruggieri of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division Senior Exploitation Unit.
According to Copeland, in September 2017, an investigation was launched after information was received about the possible financial exploitation of a 78-year woman residing at an assisted living facility located in Delaware County where the victim lives in a secure unit for individuals with dementia. She is non-verbal, and is predeceased by her husband, who died in August of 2009.
Following the death of her husband, the victim appointed her daughter, Bernadette Branson-Lawler, as her power of attorney. Branson-Lawler remained as agent for the victim until July 2013 when she petitioned the Orphan's Court of Delaware County to become guardian for her mother due to her diminished mental capacity and other health related issues. Branson-Lawler was appointed plenary guardian by the court until she was removed by the Orphan's Court in October 2017 and replaced by a court-appointed attorney.
In January 2013, Brandon-Lawler sold her mother’s house in Springfield for $269,000. After the sale of the victim’s home, Branson-Lawler moved her mother to an assisted living facility. In July 2017, Branson-Lawler failed to file the annual guardian's inventory and the annual reports of the person and the estate, as required by the Delaware County Orphan’s Court. After failing to submit the required guardian paperwork and not appearing for court, a court-appointed attorney reviewed all of the victim’s financial records and discovered suspicious withdrawals made by Brandon-Lawler. When questioned, Branson-Lawler admitted that she withdrew money from her mother’s accounts for personal expenses, such as her interior design business, her electric and insurance bills and gym membership. She also indicated she wrote herself checks, according to the release.
After receiving this information, Branson-Lawler was removed by court order as victim’s guardian and a criminal investigation into the fraud was launched by Ruggieri. Through the course of the investigation and a forensic analysis of financial records, it was determined that Branson-Lawler stole a total of $337,715.61 from the victim, from January 2011 to October 2017.
“We consider crimes against seniors especially heinous and we will continue to prosecute those who commit these terrible crimes to the fullest extent of the law,” Copeland states. “I would like to CID Detective Sgt. Anthony Ruggieri for his work on this complicated and disheartening case, and our Senior Exploitation Unit in their efforts to diligently to protect our older residents and bring justice for individuals and their families.”
Branson-Lawler was preliminarily arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Wendy B. Roberts on Jan. 25. Bail was set at $10,000 unsecured. Branson-Lawler faces a preliminary hearing on Feb. 5.
It was not immediately known if she had retained an attorney.
Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Senior Exploitation Unit Erica Parham will be prosecuting the case.
If you suspect a senior resident is being financially victimized, please contact the Senior Exploitation Unit at 610-891-5249 or email seniorcrimes@co.delaware.pa.us.
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D.A.: Springfield woman stole $337G from her 78-year-old mother
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