Mother, father and caregiver charged after Pennsylvania 21-year-old with cerebral palsy dies of starvation

By Joe Brandt, Adam Fox, Tom Gardiner, Josh Sanders

Three people, a mother, a father and a caretaker, are charged after a 21-year-old blind and deaf man with cerebral palsy starved to death in a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, apartment, District Attorney Kevin Steele and Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Francis Wheatley announced Tuesday.

The charges come after months of investigation into the September 2024 death of Tylim Hatchett, a wheelchair-bound resident of the Dresher section of Upper Dublin Township. 

He was found dead on the floor of a unit in The Promenade apartments on Route 63, weighing just 59 pounds. A medical examiner ruled his cause of death to be complications of cerebral palsy and starvation — a homicide. 

"He's blind, he's deaf, he can only be in a wheelchair," Steel said. "He needs medication that is not being provided for him." 

Hatchett's mother Sherrilynn Hawkins, father Vernon Hatchett and caregiver Loretta Harris are all charged with neglect of a care-dependent person, Steele said in a news conference. Hawkins faces the most serious charges of first-degree and third-degree murder; Hatchett is also charged with involuntary manslaughter and Harris faces a charge of theft by deception. 

Sherrilynn Hawkins, Vernon Hatchett and Loretta Harris are charged with neglecting 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett, who had cerebral palsy and required the care of others. Montgomery County District Attorney's Office

Hawkins and Harris were both receiving benefit money to care for Tylim, who went without food and water for long periods of time, Steele said. 

"There was no feeding. There was no water," Steele said. "He starved to death in this apartment and was lying on the floor when the police came. This is a horrible death." 

The DA alleged during the last 18 days of Tylim Hatchett's life, he was left alone for 356 out of 425 hours — while Hawkins received over $2,000 and Harris $3,000 from a company called Aveanna Health Care. 

Detectives tracked Hawkins' cell phone's location, her vehicle's appearance on license plate readers around the region, swipe access records into the Promenade building and other data to determine when Tylim was and was not attended to, an affidavit of probable cause shows.

Investigators "put a lot of hours and a lot of time into this to make these determinations to show where these individuals were, that they were not with Tylim, which [is where] they were getting paid to be," Steele said.

Steele said the adults neglected a duty to care for a person who needed it. The 21-year-old had lost over 30 pounds since he was weighed in February at Abington Hospital, where he was listed at 90 pounds. 

"This is an individual who couldn't care for himself and was totally dependent upon care. He's a care-dependent person and they starved him to death. They just didn't provide for him during this period of time," Steele said. 

The charges come after months of investigations into Tylim's death back in September after his parents called 911. Residents were shocked at the news. 

"It's horrendous how parents, parents did that with the kid," said Aida Sokhieva, a resident. "I have no words. None of the kids deserve that, none of the humans deserve that." 

"They're taking money that they're not doing the work for," he added. "These were intentional omissions that she was making through this period of time. She had a duty as a parent, she had a duty as a contracted employee, she was receiving benefits for this, and she let him die." 

Hawkins and Harris are in custody. Hatchett has not been apprehended. Police are searching for him so he can face an arraignment regarding the charges.

On Friday, the U.S. Marshals Service of Philadelphia announced they will join the search for Hatchett. Anyone with information related to his whereabouts is asked to call in a tip at 1-866-865-TIPS(8477).

Hawkins is being held without bail.

A spokesperson for Aveanna Health Care released a statement later Tuesday: "Aveanna has well-established policies in place to ensure that authorized care is provided, with a robust compliance program that satisfies the prescribed oversight as defined by state regulators. We use technology and other means to validate the delivery of that care, and our supervisory measures meet the requirements defined by state regulators. The Company has and continues to cooperate with all investigations into this matter."

Full Article & Source:
Mother, father and caregiver charged after Pennsylvania 21-year-old with cerebral palsy dies of starvation

Assisted living worker stole heirlooms from patients, then pawned them, VT official says

By Julia Marnin

The daughter of a Vermont assisted living facility patient noticed that her parent’s missing heirloom jewelry had vanished last year. 

The family found the jewelry at a local pawn shop, where an employee of Maple Ridge Memory Care in Essex Junction had pawned it off, according to the state Attorney General’s Office. Essex Junction is about a 210-mile drive northwest from Boston. 

Lilac Rain Brown-Fisher, the facility’s former activities director, has been sentenced after she was accused of stealing “valuable” heirlooms from multiple clients, the attorney general’s office said in a Jan. 2 news release. 

Brown-Fisher, 29, of Essex Junction, was sentenced to up to five years in prison, which the judge suspended for a term of probation due to her “prompt acceptance of responsibility,” the office said. 

On Nov. 21, she agreed to plead guilty to felony financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, according to officials. 

Brown-Fisher’s defense attorney and Maple Ridge Memory Care didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment from McClatchy News on Jan. 2. 

At her sentencing, four victims’ family members spoke about the “severe” impacts caused by the thefts of their loved ones’ valuables, according to the attorney general’s office. 

“My (mother’s) ring is gone and there’s no getting it back,” one family member said in court. “My heart is sick that I can’t pass it down to her beloved granddaughter.” 

After the daughter of one of the Maple Ridge residents noticed her parent’s jewelry was gone in February, it was located at Vermont Coin and Jewelry, which is about a 10-mile drive southwest from the facility, the attorney general’s office said. 

The Essex Police Department, which was alerted to the theft, learned the jewelry was stolen by Brown-Fisher after detectives watched Maple Ridge’s surveillance footage, according to the attorney general’s office. 

An investigation “revealed several more instances of theft by Brown-Fisher, but those heirlooms had already been disposed of by the pawn broker,” the office said. Brown-Fisher was charged with felony grand larceny, felony larceny from a person and felony financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult in March, according to officials. 

She initially pleaded not guilty to those charges that month, officials said. 

Brown-Fisher made local news in 2020, when Vermont State Police arrested her on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, the Saint Albans Messenger reported. 

Brown-Fisher was seen speeding near Saint Michael’s College in Colchester at about 1:40 a.m. on March 6, 2020, according to the newspaper, citing state police. 

A trooper said they saw her drive 91 mph in a 45 mph zone, then pulled her over and learned she was intoxicated from alcohol, the newspaper reported. 

As part of Brown-Fisher’s sentence in the theft case, she owes restitution to her victims, is banned from caring for vulnerable adults and has to do a restorative justice program that involves completing 200 community service hours, according to the attorney general’s office. 

The office encourages reporting any suspected exploitation, neglect or abuse to authorities. 

In Vermont, “elder exploitation, neglect and abuse” can be reported over the phone to the state’s Adult Protective Services at 800-564-1612 and through the state’s online Medicaid Fraud Report Form.

Full Article & Source:
Assisted living worker stole heirlooms from patients, then pawned them, VT official says

See Also:
Former Maple Ridge employee sentenced for exploitation of vulnerable adults

Baltimore caregiver sentenced after assaulting intellectually disabled man

By: Rushaad Hayward

BALTIMORE — A caregiver in Baltimore has been sentenced after assaulting an intellectually disabled man in April.

Omubo Micah, 55, was sentenced to five years suspended in favor of four years of supervised probation.

He's also been ordered to complete an anger management program and prohibited from working for any healthcare provider who receives state or federal funds.

Back in April, a neighbor reviewed security camera footage and discovered something shocking.

It showed an intellectually disabled man coming out of the house and tossing a chicken bone into the neighbor's yard. Micah, the victim's caregiver, comes up from behind, grabs him by the shirt and throws him inside.

Micah also hit the victim in the head and threw multiple punches at him.

Full Article & Source:
Baltimore caregiver sentenced after assaulting intellectually disabled man

Funds are available to help kinship caregivers gain guardianship

Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 11:00am

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that funding assistance is now available to help with the legal costs of gaining guardianship as a kinship caregiver.

Offered through the HHS Kinship-ND program, caregivers can apply to receive up to $2,500 to help complete the initial guardianship process. Caregivers must be receiving Kinship-ND services before applying for funds.

Kinship caregivers are adults who provide full-time care, nurturing support, protection and care for children who cannot remain safely in their parents’ home. These caregivers can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, godparent, older sibling, extended family member or someone who shares a close relationship with a child (also known as fictive kin).

Today there are more than 765 North Dakota caregivers who provide care to more than 1,325 children in a kinship care arrangement.

“We are happy that funds are now available to help kinship caregivers provide safe and stable homes in familiar environments,” HHS Children and Family Services Director Cory Pedersen said. “Kinship care is one of the best ways to keep families connected and at the same time ensure the safety and well-being of children.”

For more information and to apply for kinship caregiver guardianship establishment funds, email kinship@nd.gov or call (701) 328-1453, 711 (TTY).

Full Article & Source:
Funds are available to help kinship caregivers gain guardianship

The Expanding Threat of Financial Hacks: Beyond Financial Accounts

by Alberto Casares

While many associate financial hacks with stolen funds, recent incidents reveal a more complex landscape. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting confidential employee information, which can lead to tailored phishing attacks, extortion, reputational harm, and internal disruptions within financial institutions. This blog continues our previous exploration of cybersecurity challenges in the banking and financial sector, focusing on recent breaches highlighting evolving threats to employees and customers.

The exposure of employee data—such as organizational roles, personal contact details, and work-related credentials—has become a lucrative asset for threat actors. This information enables attackers to craft convincing phishing campaigns, impersonate executives, and infiltrate critical systems. Beyond immediate financial risks, these breaches subject employees to extortion attempts, psychological distress, and potential damage to their professional reputations. Such scenarios not only harm individuals but also undermine trust in the organization as a whole.

For customers, the risks extend far beyond compromised accounts. Even when financial details remain secure, leaked personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, or account identifiers can enable identity theft and scams. Attackers often exploit this data to impersonate individuals, apply for loans, or facilitate broader fraud.

As these breaches grow in scale and sophistication, financial institutions face mounting pressure to safeguard not just customer accounts but the broader ecosystem of sensitive data. This analysis delves into recent breaches to shed light on these pressing issues and the proactive measures required to mitigate their impact.

Recent Financial Hacks & Breaches Analyzed by Constella Intelligence

1. VTB Bank – Customer Database Breach

A post on an underground forum claims to offer data allegedly linked to VTB Bank in Russia, including over 1.9 million unique email addresses. The exposed data includes personal identifiers critical for launching identity theft or phishing attacks. Given the breadth of data compromised, customers and employees alike are at risk of targeted fraud and scams.

Exposed Fields:

• Names
• Emails
• Phone numbers
• Physical addresses
• Dates of birth

2. Izipay – Customer Data Breach

Izipay, a major payment processor in Peru, appears to have been impacted by a breach exposing 1.8 million unique email addresses. The compromised information encompasses extensive details about merchants, making this breach highly impactful. The data exposed is ripe for targeted attacks, including fraud schemes, impersonation, and extortion.

Exposed Fields:

• Customer codes
• Account information
• Company names
• Operational details
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Regional identifiers
• Transaction data
• Administrative records

3. Interbank – Customer Database Breach

A user on a dark web platform has shared a post alleging that Peru’s Interbank was affected by a breach exposing over 1.7 million unique email addresses. The compromised information includes sensitive personal and account-related data, which attackers could exploit to defraud customers or execute targeted phishing campaigns.

Exposed Fields:

• Full names
• Account IDs / National IDs
• Birth dates
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• IP addresses
• Credit card information

4. Bank of America – Employee Directory Breach

In the United States, Bank of America reportedly experienced a breach tied to the MOVEit vulnerability, compromising more than 280k unique emails. The breach exposed extensive employee directory information, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to craft social engineering schemes. The detailed organizational data presents significant risks, including impersonation of high-ranking officials and exploitation of internal processes for financial gain.

Exposed Fields:

• Employee codes
• Login IDs
• Full names
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Job titles
• Detailed organizational information

5. PrivatBank – Customer Data Leak

Data sets allegedly tied to Ukraine’s PrivatBank, including over 400 unique emails and 237 million records, are being offered for sale online. While the number of email addresses found was low, the leak’s volume and the type of data—personal identifiers like passports and full names—pose a severe risk. Cybercriminals can use this information for identity theft, document forgery, or large-scale fraudulent activities.

Exposed Fields:

• Login IDs & Emails
• Full names
• Phone numbers
• Passport information

Conclusion

These breaches illustrate the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting financial institutions. While direct financial theft remains a concern, the exposure of employee and customer data introduces new risks, including identity theft, extortion, and reputational damage. Addressing these challenges requires proactive and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Full Article & Source:
The Expanding Threat of Financial Hacks: Beyond Financial Accounts

One of 4 Colonial Heights nursing home employees jailed for abuse gets bond: Court records

by Bill Atkinson

COLONIAL HEIGHTS – One of the four nursing home employees jailed for elder abuse leading to a former patient’s death has been released on bond. 

Court records indicate Kamesha Michelle Kittrell, of Richmond, was granted a $2,500 bond at a hearing Monday in Colonial Heights General District Court. She is facing two counts of abuse of a vulnerable adult resulting in death and one count of abuse involving injury. 

Kittrell, the head of nursing at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, was among 18 employees arrested Dec. 18 on various charges surrounding the death of a 74-year-old woman whose family said she had been abused and neglected during her stay at the center. Kittrell and three others, including the nursing home’s director, faced the most serious of all the charges. 

Shawanda Jeter, 46, of Richmond, the center’s director, Stephanie Cline Davis, 53, of Disputanta, and Shakima Freeman Brewer, of Richmond, were the other employees jailed. Court records indicate they remain in custody at Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George County. 

As part of her bond, Kittrell is not allowed to return to the Ellerslie Avenue facility, work in the medical field or have any contact with the other defendants until her case is adjudicated. 

Prosecutors contend that while Kittrell did not have direct contact with the victim – who they claim died of sepsis last October due to the lack of attention received – she is culpable for the death due to her nursing-head duties for oversight of staff and proper medical care. 

Kittrell, Jeter and Davis are all due back in court March 26 for preliminary hearings on the charges. Brewer is set for a bond hearing Jan. 7. 

The remaining 14 suspects were all granted bond at the time of their arrests. Most of those charges involved falsifying patient records.  

The arrests happened Dec. 18 when Colonial Heights Police, the state Department of Health and the Virginia attorney general’s Elder Abuse Task Force raided the center. 

In a statement Dec. 19 to The Progress-Index, Colonial Heights Rehab management said it was “cooperating fully” with the investigation. No other statements have been released since. 

Full Article & Source:
One of 4 Colonial Heights nursing home employees jailed for abuse gets bond: Court records

See Also:
Colonial Heights nursing home cited by VDH for deficiencies, then found compliant days before abuse complaint

Police swarm Colonial Heights nursing home, arrest employees after patient death

RHOBH's Mauricio Umansky Legally Fights For Conservatorship Over His Father

By Amelia Harvey

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Mauricio Umansky filed for conservatorship over his 81-year-old father, Eduardo Umansky, in October 2024. Mauricio, who split from Kyle Richards in 2023, believes his father is being manipulated by his girlfriend, Simin Tabibni.

In court documents obtained by In Touch,Mauricio and his sister Sharon Umansky Benton claimed Eduardo’s partner had become more controlling and had been isolating their father. "She has begun to isolate him and is trying to get married even though they have been together for twenty years and never decided that they wanted to marry.”

Luckily, Mauricio and Sharon were appointed co-conservators for their dad’s finances. But, the case took a twist when Sharon was forced to obtain a permanent restraining order against Eduardo's girlfriend.

Inside Mauricio Umansky's Conservatorship Battle

Mauricio Umansky and his sister, Sharon Umansky Benton, requested earlier in 2024 that their 81-year-old father, Eduardo Umansky, be placed under a conservatorship. The siblings confirmed that their father was not suffering from a developmental disability but was being “verbally and emotionally” abused by his longtime partner, who was also taking his money.

Sharon testified that Eduardo's long-term partner, Simin Tabibni, was trying to cut him off from everyone. She detailed that she took away Eduardo's phone and preyed on the fact he was old and "scared of being alone." Sharon admitted that she believed Simin was wielding “some sort of evidence” over Eduardo to keep control. Sharon added she believes Simin may have some "sort of evidence against [Eduardo], which is why he stays with her."

The document, reported by Reality Blurb, adds that they are concerned that Simin was also taking money from Eduardo. "Over the court of the past eighteen months, [Eduardo] and [Mauricio and Sharon] have discovered that she has taken, secreted and appropriated more than $260,000 from [Eduardo] through undue influence, whether physical or emotional and/or fraud.”

According to the Buying Beverly Hills alum, his elderly father is “unable to resist undue influence and fraud and has been taken advantage of by his girlfriend” and is “unable to stop this abuse and behavior and is asking for assistance in reigning in this spending.”

According to In Touch Weekly, the ordeal didn’t end after Sharon and Mauricio successfully entered their dad into a conservatorship. Sharon alleges that Simin struck her on September 27th, bit her, and pulled her hair. The documents also explain that another "unhinged" attack occurred on October 25 after implementing the conservatorship request.

Court Document Notes

• The court has granted a permanent restraining order against Simin.
• Simin is required to pay Sharon’s $32,000 legal fees.
• Simin claimed Sharon attacked her after learning that Simin planned to marry Eduardo.
• The courts denied Simin’s request for a restraining order against Sharon.
• Simin disagreed with the judge’s ruling and called the whole thing “absurd.”

Who Are Mauricio Umansky's Parents?

Bravo shared that Mauricio Umansky was born and raised in Mexico until he was six years old when his family moved to the United States.

Mauricio’s mother, Estella Sneider, is a notable psychologist and sex therapist who has appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as well as The Ricki Lake Show. She is a predominant name in the industry and is also known for her charity work in Los Angeles.

Mauricio's father, Eduardo Umansky, is also in real estate. Although now retired, he worked at Hilton & Hyland with Mauricio before joining him at The Agency.

According to The Agency's website, he has owned and managed numerous businesses, including cotton importing and garment manufacturing, since graduating from The National University of Mexico as a public accountant with an emphasis on finance and macroeconomics.

According to an Instagram post, Eduardo and Estella met when she was young. She explained that Eduardo was close to her first cousin and brother. Despite their split, the pair have remained close and are proud to have maintained a strong friendship.

What Is Kyle Richards' Relationship Like With Mauricio's Family?

ScreenRant reported that Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky were together for nearly three decades, and Kyle formed a close relationship with her in-laws. Despite splitting in 2023, Kyle and Mauricio are still legally married and continue to spend time together.

Kyle was pictured in December 2024 by The Daily Mail hugging Mauricio's parents outside a restaurant.

Dr. Estella has made numerous appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside her daughter-in-law. According to Bravo, she first appeared on Season 2 of the Bravo reality show, where she underwent a facelift.

Only in Beverly Hills can your mother-in-law look younger than you.

The last time the famous sex therapist appeared on the show, she was investigating what was really happening between Kyle and Mauricio, after reading the headlines. "Every time I open Google, it's something about you separating, divorcing, whatever," she told Kyle. "It got to a point in which I called Mauricio and sent him a text, 'Is everything okay? Generally, I don't believe these things but it's too much.' Who started this?"

In her confessional, Kyle admitted she was "very taken aback" that her mother-in-law was asking those kinds of questions at Portia's party. "This is not what I want to hear right now, at my daughter's birthday dinner," she added.

According to PEOPLE, in this episode, Kyle memorably tells Estella that her son has a tattoo. The reality star thought it would be "funny in the moment" because she wanted to see Dr. Estella's reaction, but after seeing how much it upset her estranged husband, she regretted the decision. In Jewish culture, tattoos are severely frowned upon.

According to a report published in In Touch, a judge agreed to appoint Mauricio and his sister, Sharon Umansky, in charge of Eduardo’s estate. However, his three daughters with Kyle Richard had to be involved in the decision.

Alexia, Portia, and Sophia Umansky all had to submit paperwork confirming that they were aware of their grandfather’s conservatorship. All three confirmed it, and Eduardo approved the appointment of his son and daughter as co-conservators.

Full Article & Source:
RHOBH's Mauricio Umansky Legally Fights For Conservatorship Over His Father

See Also:
Kyle Richards’ Daughters Dragged Into Conservatorship of Grandpa Amid Family Feud With His Girlfriend

Mauricio Umansky's takes action against father's controlling girlfriend

UPDATE: Enid woman convicted of exploitation of elderly and computer fraud

NEWKIRK — Jones appeared in Kay County District Court on Aug. 30, 2024 and entered no contest pleas to the charges. She was sentenced to a 10-year suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay $51,877.94 in restitution. The case was filed on June 26, 2024.

Warrant issued for woman accused of exploiting elderly woman out of nearly $52,000

NEWKIRK — A warrant is issued for Tammy Dene Jones, 51, Enid, by the Kay County District Court.

Jones is facing felony counts of exploitation of elderly and or disabled adult by deception and intimidation and computer fraud and or unlawful use of a computer system. Ponca City police report that Jones is accused of fraudulently obtaining $51,877.94 from a senior citizen.

The alleged victim and her daughter contacted law enforcement on June 14 and told police that she hired Jones to assist her around the house with chores such as lawn work. She said that she paid Jones $15 an hour and that sometimes she would give Jones her bank card to pick up some stuff at Walmart.

The woman told police that she noticed bank transactions that she didn’t make and that her Discover Card was maxed out.

Tammy Dene Jones

The alleged victim told police that it appears Jones was using her credit card at ATMs and that she never gave her permission to do so.

The woman told police she also had a ring valued at $300 disappear.

She told police that she contacted Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent Chad Van Hoesen and asked if he would come over to her house when she confronted Jones. Van Hoesen agreed and told police that he recorded Jones’ confession.

The recording was given to Det. Sgt. Cory Vincent.

Vincent reports that Jones states on the tape that she did it to help her parents and that she thought she could pay it back.

Jones reportedly said that she didn’t want her kids to know because she feels stupid. She reportedly admitted to taking the alleged victim’s phone and using her CashApp to send money to her account. Jones reportedly denied using the woman’s debit card and said she doesn’t remember making a transaction at Marshall’s.

Police report that the alleged victim’s Equity Bank Account balance dropped from $33,376.88 to $854.10 over a span of 16 months.

The transactions police reportedly found include a $6,610.74 transaction to PayPal; $800.99 obtained at Osage Casino; $4,980 in ATM transactions and $9,150 from Cash App to Jones.

Police report that a second bank account balance dropped from $10,376.93 to $1.88. Fraudulent transactions on that account were reportedly made to Venmo, various people, Osage Casino and ATM withdrawals.

Police report that there were also fraudulent charges made on the woman’s Discover Card at Atwoods.

Vincent reports that he called Jones and asked her about the situation. Jones reportedly said that she made a mistake.

“I should not have done it, but I wasn’t getting paid,” Jones reportedly said.

Jones said that she had owned up to the alleged victim and that she had made arrangements to pay her back. Jones reportedly admitted to taking at least $2,000 for herself at the ATM. She reportedly told police that she didn’t get paid for four months and that she thought the situation was worked out.

Prosecutors filed the charges on June 26. A warrant with $50,000 bond is issued. Anyone with information on Jones’ location is asked to call law enforcement.

Full Article & Source:
UPDATE: Enid woman convicted of exploitation of elderly and computer fraud

Home aide accused of exploiting over $2,500 from elderly woman with dementia

by Skyler Shepard

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A 21-year-old home aide has been arrested for allegedly exploiting an elderly woman with dementia, making over $2,500 in fraudulent charges on her credit cards.

Ta'kiya Jones was taken into custody on December 30 following an investigation by the Riviera Beach Police Department (RBPD).

The investigation began on November 21, when the elderly victim's son reported unauthorized charges on his mother's financial accounts. The charges, totaling approximately $2,506.09, were made on a Chase Freedom credit card, a TD Bank debit card, and a TD Double Up credit card. Purchases included items from Lululemon, Ulta, Journeys Kidz, Victoria's Secret, H&M, Walmart, and Red Crab Seafood.

Police said investigators gathered evidence, including surveillance footage and receipts from Guru Tattoo Shop, confirming Jones had added the Chase Freedom card to her Apple Wallet for Apple Pay transactions.

Safe Home Care — Jones' employer — confirmed she began working with the victim on October 24 and was aware of the policy prohibiting aides from using clients' funds for personal reasons. Upon discovering the fraudulent charges, Safe Home Care removed Jones from the victim's case.

Jones admitted to using the victim's credit cards during an interview with law enforcement, citing financial difficulties. She claimed some charges, such as those at Red Crab Juicy Seafood, were partially for the victim's benefit, according to the arrest report. Despite her claims, the unauthorized use of the victim's credit cards violated trust and the law.

Based on the evidence, charges requested against Jones include fraudulent use of a credit card, exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and criminal use of personal identification information. Jones was arrested and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail for booking.

The arrest underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable adults from exploitation and ensuring caregivers adhere to ethical and legal standards.

Full Article & Source:
Home aide accused of exploiting over $2,500 from elderly woman with dementia

Happy New Year

Source:
Happy New Year

10 Reasons Why You Should Make Estate Planning Your New Year’s Resolution

By Katherine R. Dorval

People often assume that if their estate isn’t taxable, they don’t need to have an estate plan. In 2024, a Massachusetts estate tax return must be filed if the value of the deceased person’s gross estate exceeds $2 million. A federal estate tax return must be filed if the value of the assets exceeds $13.61 million in 2024 (or $27.22 million per married couple.)  The federal estate tax exemption will increase to $13.99 million in 2025 (or $27.98 million per married couple).

While reducing potential estate taxes is one important goal for creating an estate plan, there are many other factors to consider beyond tax savings. In addition to reducing taxes, a thoughtfully prepared estate plan helps you maintain control over your assets at your death or incapacity, safeguards your privacy, and provides guidance for your care as well as the care of your loved ones.

The following is a list of ten important reasons to create an estate plan, beyond minimizing estate taxes:

1- Maintaining Privacy and Avoiding Probate

Having an estate plan can help minimize the probate process, which can be expensive, time consuming and lead to loss of privacy. The probate process can take up to a year, if not longer, and anyone can access information and documents from the Probate Court. With proper planning, you can avoid the delay and cost of probate and keep your estate’s details private.

2 – Protecting Minor Children

In a well-drafted will, a parent may nominate a guardian to take care of any minor child the parent has or may have in the future. Nominating a guardian in the will ensures that any minor children will be cared for by the people you have chosen if both parents die before the children turn 18. Without a will in place that nominates a guardian, the Probate Court will decide who looks after your minor children without any guidance from you. A thorough estate plan will also include a trust to protect assets for the benefit of your minor children so they don’t receive their inheritance outright when they turn 18.

3 – Providing for Your Spouse and Other Beneficiaries

An estate plan allows you to make decisions about how your assets will be distributed after your death or incapacity, ensuring your wishes are followed. A properly drafted will and trust ensure that your assets will be distributed to your intended beneficiaries after your death. Otherwise, the applicable statutes will determine who will benefit from your estate, which might be contrary to your own wishes. For example, you may want to make sure that your spouse and children or other loved ones are provided for adequately.

4 – Planning for Blended Families

Estate planning can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, especially in the instance of a blended family. For example, in a second marriage with children from a prior relationship, a parent will often want to use trust planning to ensure that her children receive a fair share of her asset assets, rather than being cut out by a surviving stepparent. It is also wise to protect assets in trust for your children in the event of remarriage of the surviving parent.

5 – Special Needs Planning

If you have a beneficiary with special needs, a “special needs trust” or “supplemental needs trust” can be created as part of your estate plan to ensure that the beneficiary continues to qualify for public assistance such as MassHealth or Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

6 – Creditor Protection

By placing a child’s inheritance in trust for the child’s benefit, you may be able to shield those assets from the child’s creditors, including, for example a divorcing spouse, ensuring that assets are used for the benefit of your child or grandchildren.

7 – Providing for Pets

Estate planning can include provisions for the care of your pets after your death, including the creation of a pet trust to cover their expenses.

8 – Planning for Your Incapacity

Through documents like a durable power of attorney, health care proxy, living will and trust, you can designate individuals to manage your assets and make decisions on your behalf if you become disabled or incapacitated.

The person you appoint as your attorney-in-fact under your durable power of attorney has the authority to make legal and financial decisions for you if you are physically or mentally incapacitated, or simply if it would be more convenient for you.

By creating a revocable trust and funding it during your lifetime, you can make sure your assets will be used for your benefit and managed according to your wishes if you become incapacitated. The successor Trustee(s) of your trust will control and continue to manage the trust assets for your benefit when you can no longer serve as Trustee.

9 – Charitable Giving

If you desire to make charitable gifts at your death, there are many ways to incorporate these philanthropic goals into your estate plan. Charities can be named as beneficiaries in a will or trust, or as a designated beneficiary on retirement accounts.

10 – Business Succession

If you own a family business that you plan to keep in the family after your death, part of your estate plan might involve business succession planning to plan for the death or retirement of a key partner and to make it easier to transfer the business’ assets to your family members after your death.

It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney who can provide personalized guidance and help you determine the most appropriate estate planning strategies for your unique circumstances. They can also ensure compliance with state laws and address any unique estate planning needs or concerns you may have.

Full Article & Source:
10 Reasons Why You Should Make Estate Planning Your New Year’s Resolution

20-Year-Old Arrested For Participation In Elder Fraud

A 20-year-old man has been arrested in Sonoma County for allegedly participating in an elder fraud scheme.

Yung-Wen Kuan was apprehended after attempting to collect $20,000 from a 78-year-old woman, who had previously been tricked into withdrawing a large sum of money under the guise of protecting her finances. The suspects, posing as bank and government officials, convinced the victim to hand over the money to Kuan.

This incident highlights the growing concern of elder fraud scams, with financial institutions like Redwood Credit Union observing an increase in such attempts.

The credit union urges customers to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of any unexpected calls or messages from financial institutions. The investigation into this scheme is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim to contact the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

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20-Year-Old Arrested For Participation In Elder Fraud

Seniors

As part of the Michigan Department of Attorney General's commitment to protecting seniors across the state, the Health Care Fraud Division is in place to hold health care providers accountable.

The Health Care Fraud Division also works in tandem with the Financial Crimes Division -- which houses the Elder Abuse Task Force -- on a number of legal actions.

The office also maintains a joint enforcement initiative with the Social Security Administration to protect residents of nursing homes from financial exploitation.

Health Care Fraud Division

The Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) exists to identify, prosecute, and prevent fraudulent activity by doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and other health care providers participating in the Medicaid program. Allegations of misappropriation of patient trust funds and identity theft in resident care facilities are also investigated. Taxpayer dollars provide health care to indigent patients and other recipients. It is vital that these dollars be effectively spent to help those in need. Fraud affects everyone - the recipients of care, the taxpayers who pay for it, and the overwhelming majority of providers who conscientiously provide quality care.

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Seniors

Social media restrictions to financial exploitation protections, these are Florida's new laws

Social media restrictions to financial exploitation protections, these are Florida's new laws in 2025

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Social media restrictions to financial exploitation protections, these are Florida's new laws

John Amos’ Son & Private Investigator React To His Sister Digging Into Their Dad’s Death (UPDATE)

By Cassandra S

John Amos passed away in August, but by the time his son Kelly Christopher announced his death, it had been over a month.  Since then, the actor’s daughter, Shannon Amos, has launched an inquiry into his passing and hired a lawyer to lead her fight.

“The family deserves to know the full circumstances surrounding Mr. Amos’ care and the events that led to his passing,” Shannon Amos’ lawyer reportedly said in a statement. “We are committed to pursuing all available avenues to ensure that these questions are answered.”

But Kelly is saying there’s no need for war, and a private investigator has said there’s been no sign of “foul play” in the actor’s death. Here’s the he-said-she-said between the siblings and what else has been reported on the family conflict.

K.C. Amos Responds To Sister’s Elder Abuse Allegations

As previously reported, K.C. revealed the death on October 1, but his dad had died on August 21. Additionally, he said the ‘Good Times’ actor passed from congestive heart failure in Los Angeles. He was 84.

Shannon’s lawyer, James H. Davis III, confirmed she hired legal help to look into her daddy’s death, per PEOPLE. She outright accused her brother of elder abuse for seemingly the second time. Shannon reportedly wants more information about her dad’s admission to Centinela Hospital and his condition at the time. She claimed someone falsely impersonating her dropped John off at the hospital. Shannon claims she’s asked for his medical records in three formal requests but has gotten no response.

Furthermore, she wants the LAPD and Adult Protective Services to provide summaries of their investigations into her past allegations of abuse involving John Amos.

Meanwhile, Kelly Christopher isn’t hesitating in shutting down his sister’s claims with his own receipts! He provided an explanation to PEOPLE about decisions made leading up to John Amos’ death. He claimed that John requested to go to Centinela Hospital due to trust in its medical staff. Additionally, he said his dad asked him not to contact other family members, and K.C. said he “honored his request.”

“Let me be clear and transparent. There has been no physical, financial, emotional, or psychological elder abuse or neglect committed against my father by me, Gene Brummett, or Belinda Foster,” K.C. said. “This has been documented by an independent investigation by Homeland Security Services, Inc, Adult Protective Services, and other law enforcement agencies. The reality is that he passed of natural causes at the age of 84 years old. Stop making it more than what it is.”

Kelly also hired a defense investigator to conduct a “comprehensive two-year investigation” into financial discrepancies, including missing money and stolen material goods from his dad in Colorado, Memphis, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. Ultimately, the investigator, Kevin Faler, said any and all charges against Kelly Christopher in New Jersey have been dismissed.

“The current allegations regarding foul play and elder abuse are frivolous,” Kevin Faler said. “John Amos was happy working and spending time with [K.C., Gene, and Belinda] writing, producing, and praying with them as a family and as his team. John passed from natural causes at the age of 84 years old. There was no foul play.”

Faler also cleared John Amos’ longtime manager, Belinda Foster, of any wrongdoing. “John told me Belinda was more of a daughter to him than his own biological daughter,” the investigator told PEOPLE.

Daughter Previously Questioned John Amos’ Safety

Shannon Amos’ death comes over a year after she claimed her dad was a victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation and was hospitalized in critical condition. She made the allegations in a GoFundMe campaign, claiming John had called her from Memphis hospital. Shannon did not specify who was executing the alleged abuse but claimed one of the persons was a caregiver. Her GoFundMe campaign sought $500,000 for alleged legal expenses, care, and aftercare.

But, John Amos later denied his daughter’s abuse claims in a video message from the hospital bed. The actor cited confusion about the fundraiser. He also seemed to suggest that if anyone were to abuse him, it’d be Shannon. He said that they had issues leading up to his hospitalization, saying his daughter took advantage of him.

“She would be the primary suspect — if you would,” John said. “I don’t know if that’s the right term to use or not. But she’s the one that I would attribute my elderly abuse to. It’s definitely a case of elderly abuse.”

Additionally, his manager Belinda said his hospitalization was due to problems with his heart caused by fluid filling his lower body and abdomen. However, they both denied that his medical scare was life-threatening.

Shannon Amos has not publicly reacted to her brother’s response to her investigation.

Full Article & Source:
John Amos’ Son & Private Investigator React To His Sister Digging Into Their Dad’s Death (UPDATE)

See Also:
'Good Times' star John Amos dead at 84

New state laws protect most vulnerable citizens – kids and seniors | Opinion

One affects children and social media, others protect seniors from financial exploitation

By John Grant

Most of us would agree the role of government, whether national, state, or local, should be to protect and serve its citizens. A new set of Florida laws that go into effect on January 1, 2025, are designed to do just that.

A few stand out for their ability to secure and defend the state’s most vulnerable – kids and seniors.

John Grant

House Bill 3 prohibits social media companies from granting accounts to anyone younger than 14. This law was initially supported by parents and grandparents, like me, because its intent is to shelter kids from a number of nefarious online characters including predators, scammers and bullies.

While part of the bill is being challenged on First Amendment grounds, ultimately the meat of the bill keeps kids under 14 off social media platforms and less likely to become a victim.Most of us would agree the role of government, whether national, state, or local, should be to protect and serve its citizens. A new set of Florida laws that go into effect on January 1, 2025, are designed to do just that.

Two other bills taking effect will insulate and better serve seniors from financial exploitation.

Under Senate Bill 556, financial institutions can delay disbursements or transactions of funds from an account if there is reasonable belief that exploitation is involved. Financial institutions are then required to conduct an internal review and notify the state. This series of safeguards is intended to keep predators at bay.

House Bill 1093 updates Florida’s fiduciary accounting laws bringing them into the 21st Century. This law codifies the Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal ACT (FUFIPA) replacing the Florida Uniform Principal and Income ACT (FUPIA).

I know that sounds like a lot of mumbo jumbo, but as an estate planner I can tell you this legislation requires more responsibility from the fiduciary accounting process and allows for more flexibility in individualized estate planning. It is long overdue.

I for one am grateful Florida lawmakers have their priorities in check with a clear focus on citizens, young and old.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the legislators accomplish in the upcoming session in spring of 2025.

John Grant is a retired Florida state senator and president of Seniors Across America.

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New state laws protect most vulnerable citizens – kids and seniors | Opinion

State Rep. Gidley seeks to disqualify elder abusers, exploiters from receiving inheritance

by Craig Monger

State Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) is seeking to remove the ability of individuals to receive benefits or inheritance from people they have been convicted of abusing or financially exploiting.

Current law prohibits a person from receiving any benefits under someone's will or intestate succession if they are feloniously responsible for their death. Intestate succession describes when the state distributes assets to the surviving family if no will exists. The prohibition also applies to contracts.

House Bill 66 (HB66) would provide that any individual who is convicted of elder abuse or financial exploitation of an elderly person may not receive any benefits under the abused or exploited individual's will or through intestate succession. It would also cause a person convicted of abuse to lose any property interest in any joint venture held with the abused or exploited individual.

If convicted, a person would not be allowed to collect life insurance, inheritance, property or collect on any contracts made with the person they were convicted of abusing or exploiting.

According to the bill, an individual will be deemed to have abused another if the individual is convicted of elder abuse and neglect in the first or second degree or financial exploitation of an elderly person in the first or second degree.

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State Rep. Gidley seeks to disqualify elder abusers, exploiters from receiving inheritance

Explore Jefferson: Area Woman Drained Elderly Mother’s Accounts to Pay for Casino Trips, Personal Debt

by Gant Team

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — An area woman has been charged with financially exploiting her elderly mother and stealing over $150,000.00 through her role as power of attorney, according to Punxsutawney-based State Police.

Court records filed on December 20, 2024, indicate 56-year-old Kelly Jo Wright, of Ridgway, faces the following criminal charges:

– Financial Exploitation of an Older Adult or Care-Dependent Person, Felony 2
– Theft by Deception-False Impression, Felony 2
– Theft by Deception-Prevent Acquisition of Information, Felony 2
– Theft by Deception-Failure to Correct, Felony 2

According to PSP Punxsutawney, the investigation began when Wright’s sister reported suspected theft in September 2023.

Medical records show the victim has been treated for dementia since 2020, with her condition listed as “moderate,” making her vulnerable to exploitation, police noted.

State Police Trooper Michael C. Malloy’s investigation revealed that Wright became power of attorney for her mother in March 2022, according to a criminal complaint, and Wright allegedly proceeded to drain her accounts through ATM withdrawals, gambling expenditures, and payments of personal debts over an 18-month time period, beginning around March 2022 to approximately September 19, 2023.

It was learned in the investigation that Wright allegedly spent thousands at casinos and gambling establishments, including businesses in Punxsutawney and Reynoldsville, where she was reportedly gambling up to three to five times per week. Additionally, investigators obtained Wright’s gambling records from Seneca Casino in Salamanca, New York, showing net losses of over $17,000.00 in 2022 and over $7,000.00 in 2023, according to the complaint.

The victim’s monthly income included Social Security benefits, her ex-husband’s pension payments, and IRA deposits, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, Trooper Malloy learned that Wright surrendered her mother’s $123,000.00 IRA against financial advisors’ recommendations, then withdrew over $106,000.00 in cash within 23 days, the complaint continues.

The Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging had previously investigated in April 2022 after receiving a referral about possible exploitation. During their month-and-a-half investigation, protective services workers made home visits and exchanged correspondence with the victim. Wright claimed she was using the IRA money to build a home addition for her mother — renovations that police believe never occurred, the complaint notes.

According to the complaint, the investigation revealed that Wright was operating a rescue horse farm, caring for more than 30 horses, donkeys, dogs, and cats. It was noted there are substantial costs that are associated with maintaining such an operation.

According to the complaint, Wright stated her only source of income was her monthly Social Security benefit in the amount of approximately $1,600.00.

A preliminary hearing for Wright is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025.

It was also noted in the complaint that the case is further complicated by a separate theft charge against Wright involving a male victim, where she allegedly received transfers totaling nearly $200,000.00 in April 2023, the complaint states.

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Explore Jefferson: Area Woman Drained Elderly Mother’s Accounts to Pay for Casino Trips, Personal Debt

Rome Man Jailed for Beating Elderly Man

One of Floyd County’s “Most Wanted”, Nicholas Augustus King, 40 was arrested this week after he was accused of attacking and beating an elderly Rome man.

Reports said that King is accused of hitting the victim on top of the head which caused deep lacerations requiring stitches.

The incident occurred at a home on Dublin Drive.

King is charged with aggravated battery, exploitation and intimidation of the elderly and probation violation.

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Rome Man Jailed for Beating Elderly Man