Deputies: Woman exploited elderly man, allegedly embezzled more than $300K

The Pitt County Sheriff's Office says it was contacted by BB&T bank in August regarding possible elder exploitation. A detective worked the with victim's adult children and learned that the Heather Dawn Taylor (also known as Heather Dawn Russ, Heather Taylor Russ and Heather Dawn) had been in a business relationship with the victim running Double Barrel Stables. (Photo provided by Pitt County Sheriff's Office)

by Sydney Basden

GREENVILLE, Pitt County — A Pitt County woman has been arrested following a nine-month investigation into elder exploitation; deputies say she allegedly embezzled more than $300,000 from an elderly man.

The Pitt County Sheriff's Office says it was contacted by BB&T bank in August regarding possible elder exploitation. A detective worked the with victim's adult children and learned that the Heather Dawn Taylor (also known as Heather Dawn Russ, Heather Taylor Russ and Heather Dawn) had been in a business relationship with the victim running Double Barrel Stables.

Officials say the Farmville business - which no longer exists - offered a variety of equestrian-related services.

During the investigation, officials say they worked with fraud departments from multiple institutions, interview witnesses and examined financial records. So far, the sheriff's office says the detective has identified more than $300,000 in funds she allegedly embezzled from the victim - an elderly man with serious health conditions.

Over the course of a 9-month investigation, the detective worked with the fraud departments from multiple financial institutions as well as interviewed witnesses and examined financial records. So far, he has been able to identify well over $300,000 in funds that had allegedly been embezzled by the suspect from the victim, an elderly man with serious health conditions.

To conceal her crimes, officials say Taylor paid others to lie to the victim's children and pretend they were horse transporters bringing in money for the business. They add that all of this took place while she was on probation for a previous fraud conviction.

Also during the investigation, officials say a second elderly victim came forward with information that Heater had also approached her wanting to start a stable and horse transport business. They say the victim produced evidence that showed a similar pattern of behavior as the first case; Taylor had already obtained more than $1,000 before they say the victim became suspicious and cut ties.

The Pitt County Sheriff's Office says Taylor has already been indicted by a Grand Jury on the following charges:

• Embezzlement over $100,000 (two counts)
• Exploit elder trust (two counts)
• Obtaining property by false pretense (one count)

Taylor was arrested on Thursday and booked into the Pitt County Detention Center where officials say she is being held under a $450,000 secured bond. They add that she has previous convictions of obtaining property by false pretenses and other fraud offenses.

Officials say there may be other victims; those who believe they could be victims should contact Detective Hines with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, Major Crimes Unit at 252-902-2149.

According to WCTI archives, Taylor was arrested in 2013 on charges of allegedly pretending to be pregnant to scam couples who wanted to adopt children. The story was featured on ABC's 20/20 in 2014. In 2015, Taylor was also charged after she allegedly pretended her mother was dying of cancer and tricked victims into sending money to her.

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Deputies: Woman exploited elderly man, allegedly embezzled more than $300K