Debra Bailey Sentenced for Financially Exploiting her Elderly Mother

For Immediate Release
October 25, 2022

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that Debra Bailey (Lemere), age 58, of Enfield, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Monday, October 24, 2022, in the Grafton County Superior Court to one class A felony count of financial exploitation of an elderly adult.

A joint investigation by the Lebanon Police Department and the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit of the Attorney General's Office revealed that on December 4, 2017, Ms. Bailey was appointed legal guardian over the finances of her 76-year-old mother, who suffered severe cognitive impairment due to dementia. As guardian, Ms. Bailey was required to prudently manage her Mother's financial affairs and was prohibited from using her mother's money for herself. However, between December 5, 2017, and July 16, 2019, Ms. Bailey unlawfully took $45,957.93 of her mother's money for herself, using the funds at, among other places, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, salons, and spas.

The Court sentenced Ms. Bailey to serve 12 months in the House of Corrections, stand committed, and ordered her to pay $45,957.93 in restitution to her mother's estate. Following her incarceration, Ms. Bailey will serve two years' probation. She is also prohibited from serving as guardian or in any other fiduciary capacity for any individual.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Bryan J. Townsend, II, and Attorney Mary Stewart.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department and the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (1-800-949-0470).

Source:
Debra Bailey Sentenced for Financially Exploiting her Elderly Mother