A woman from Independence, Missouri, was arrested following a five-count federal indictment alleging she defrauded an elderly victim of more than $1 million.
Amanda Sargent, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 26, 2025. The indictment was unsealed after her arrest. According to the indictment, Sargent allegedly met the victim through a Facebook group that connects individuals experiencing homelessness in the Kansas City area with community resources.
In late 2021, Sargent posted a request in the Facebook group asking for assistance with car repairs. The elderly victim responded by sending a small amount of money. Over the next two years, Sargent allegedly made repeated false claims requesting help for various expenses, including medical bills, rent, utilities, and a kidney transplant. The victim believed the money was helping Sargent and her children and ultimately sent over $1 million between late 2021 and mid-2023.
According to the indictment, Sargent’s claims were false, and she withdrew the money in cash for personal use.
The Platte County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after the victim reported the suspected fraud. The indictment includes five counts, each representing separate alleged acts of fraud.
The charges in the indictment are accusations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Prosecutors must present evidence to a federal trial jury, which will determine guilt or innocence.
If
convicted, Sargent faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to
$250,000 per count. Sentencing will be determined by the court, based on
federal guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing
will be set following a presentence investigation by the United States
Probation Office.
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Missouri woman indicted for scamming over 1 million from elderly Facebook user
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