Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Caregiver Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Client of $100K

 
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Eastern District of Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 26, 2019

Caregiver Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Client of $100K


NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hayes woman was sentenced today to more than five years in prison for stealing approximately $100,000 from a disabled woman for whom she provided caregiving services.

“The financial and emotional harm these deceitful and illegal acts can cause victims and their family members cannot be overstated,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Denton is a serial fraudster who in this case defrauded and victimized a particularly vulnerable woman who had entrusted Denton with providing care to her and her son, who also suffers from certain disabilities. Denton abused and violated that position of trust and stole nearly $100,000 from the victim. We will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to make sure we are protecting those in our communities who are most vulnerable.”

According to court documents, Amy Denton, 43, worked as a caregiver for a Gloucester woman who suffered from various medical issues and limitations. In early 2015, her client’s mother passed away, leaving her a number of life insurance policies. In her role as caregiver, Denton obtained notices of the policies, but then forged her client’s signature on various forms to request the life insurance funds. Denton caused the victim to complete a Virginia Durable Power of Attorney Form (POA) that gave Denton access and control over her client’s finances. The woman signed this form without knowing the authority it provided Denton over her finances.

“Fraud and betrayal by a trusted caregiver is a shameful crime,” said Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The price of this defendant’s greed is the financial security of the victim and her son. The FBI will continue to hold accountable anyone who preys on the vulnerabilities of others.”

Denton used the POA to open bank accounts and add herself to her client’s existing bank account. In May 2015, Denton fraudulently obtained five life insurance checks in the total amount of approximately $100,000, and then routed these funds through bank accounts she controlled. She used the funds to purchase a vehicle, pay off court costs related to a prior state fraud conviction, and for other travel and entertainment expenses. Once the life insurance proceeds were spent, in November 2015, Denton attempted to obtain an additional $40,000 in assets that were held by a law firm and would have accrued to her client. In May 2016, the victim learned that her bank account lacked sufficient funds to pay various bills, and had a seizure at the bank and additional seizures thereafter that required hospitalization.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-70.

Full Article & Source:
Caregiver Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Client of $100K

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