Wendy Williams' 94-year old dad dances at his birthday party: 'Love you endlessly Papa'

by Chris Jordan

Key Points

• Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, but she's disputed the diagnoses in recent interviews.
• The Asbury Park and Ocean Township native was the host of TV’s “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021.

Keep on dancing!

Wendy Williams' 94-year old dad Thomas Williams danced at his birthday party in Miami over the weekend. His granddaughter, Alex Finnie, shared a video of Thomas, a former teacher and football coach at Asbury Park High School, dancing up a storm on Instagram.

“Happy 94th birthday to my Papa who continues dancing his way through life and leads with the quote, 'You’re never too old to do what you might have done,' ” Finnie said. “I love you endlessly Papa (heart emoji) happy birthday.”

Beyonce's "Before I Let Go" plays while dad dances. Wendy, 60, attended the party but was not shown in her dad's dance video.

Dad Thomas was the first Black principal at the former River Street School in Red Bank in 1969. Shirley, his wife and Wendy's mom, passed away in 2020. She was a member of civic groups ranging from the Monmouth County Council of Girl Scouts to the Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.

Alex's mom, and Wendy's sister, is Wanda Finnie, a former New Jersey Assistant Deputy Public Defender. Their brother is Thomas Williams Jr.

All aspects of Wendy's life, including financial and living arrangements, are decided by court-appointed guardian Sabrina Morrissey. In 2022, Wendy's bank, Wells Fargo, claimed Wendy was “the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.”

Part of the legal equation was the alleged expenditure of more than $100,000 on Uber Eats by her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., as stated in the 2024 Lifetime documentary “Where's Wendy Williams.” Another $100,000 plus expenditure by Hunter Jr., related to a boat rental for a birthday party, was discussed in the recent TMZ Tubi documentary “Saving Wendy.” 

Alex is leading the charge to get Wendy extricated from the guardianship, which has included residency in a memory care unit of an assisted living facility in New York City.

Wendy has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, but she's disputed the diagnoses in recent interviews.

The Asbury Park and Ocean Township native was the host of TV’s “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Full Article & Source:
Wendy Williams' 94-year old dad dances at his birthday party: 'Love you endlessly Papa'

See Also:
Wendy Williams' Conservatorship Inspires Family Visitation Rights Reform by New York Senator

TMZ: Wendy Williams 'locked up in a room', dementia diagnosis in question

FIGHT FOR FREEDOM Wendy Williams’ lawyer to ‘file petition to terminate guardianship’ after struggling star claims she’s ‘in a prison’

Wendy Williams Dementia Denial Pushes Legal Guardian To Order A New Medical Evaluation

Judge allows Wendy Williams to fly to Miami to celebrate her father’s 94th birthday amid guardianship battle

Why Wendy Williams Reportedly Fired Attorney Amid #FreeWendy Battle

Britney Spears Steps in to Help Wendy Williams Get Out of 'Abusive' Conservatorship

Wendy Williams

Three Years After Britney, Wendy Williams Shows Celebrity Conservatorships May Still Be Toxic to Women

Senator Palumbo and Families Push for Guardianship Reform Urge Passage of Karilyn’s Law in 2025

Woman faces theft and financial exploitation charges in connection to elderly person

by  Mike Mohundro

MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- A woman was arrested and accused of stealing more than $20,000 in connection to an elderly person to which she was reported giving care to.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said they responded to a report of a theft and financial exploitation on February 4, in connection to an 87-year-old victim.

After the sheriff's office said they investigated and gathered evidence, they accused Angelyn Messick of stealing around $23,000 between December of 2024 and February 2025.

Messick was the employed caregiver to the 87-year-old victim, the sheriff's office stated.

Messick was arrested and cited on the following charges...

• Theft/Deception/>10K<100K
• Theft Deception Intent Senior 5000+
• (2x) - Financial Exploitation Elderly/Disabled/$5K-$50K

Messick was taken to the Williamson County Jail.

Full Article & Source:
Woman faces theft and financial exploitation charges in connection to elderly person

Community advocate Todd Stein on the dangers of guardianship

Community advocate Todd Stein joined In Focus. (Spectrum News NY1)

BY Cheryl Wills and Dana Perez

Community advocate Todd Stein shared why he believes long-term care is often avoided by seniors, saying they’re afraid of losing their independence.

Stein explained the importance of long-term planning and said it puts elderly people at risk for financial, mental and even physical abuse.

He talked about his own parents’ experience in senior care, where they were victims of abuse, and shared some warning signs to look out for.

Stein also discussed the dangers of guardianship and said it can strip away an individual’s identity, take advantage of their financial standing, or isolate them from friends and family.

Full Article & Source:
Community advocate Todd Stein on the dangers of guardianship

Elderly exploitation victim uses his story to warn other vulnerable seniors

Story by Shawna Khalafi

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Last month, FOX5 introduced you to Robert Cartagena — a 92-year-old man with dementia, who was taken advantage of and scammed out of thousands of dollars.

Now, he’s warning his elderly community to beware of who you trust.

“A lot of it I’ve forgotten, which is probably the best thing in the long run,” said Cartagena.

Cartagena is back with his neighbors-turned-family at Las Vegas Jaycees Senior Community Park after he was taken advantage of, scammed out of thousands of dollars, and left alone in an unfamiliar place without identification.

“One of our residents was exploited by someone that he trusted, and he lost everything. He lost his home, he lost his money, he was basically dropped off at a hospice to die with only the clothes on his back,” said Rob Deken, Community Manager at Las Vegas Jaycees Senior Community Park.

In 2023, Cartagena gave one of his neighbors financial Power of Attorney to help him manage his daily life.

Instead, he says she took it over, racked up charges on his credit card, even sold his house, and kept some of the profits.

“Somebody took over my life and just brought me out there to nowhere’s land that I didn’t know anybody. In a nutshell, that’s just about what it is, taking advantage of somebody else who can’t help themselves,” he said.

Now, Cartagena is sharing his story as a warning to other vulnerable seniors.

“Be aware. That’s the main thing is be aware, especially when you get to our age.”

He hosted a gathering at Las Vegas Jaycees Senior Community Park Saturday to educate his neighbors about the red flags and resources available.

“They’ve been asking about him some people thought he was dead. So we wanted to get him out here so everybody that he’s still here,” said Deken. “He’s not doing as well as he was before this lady got a hold of him, but he’s doing better than when we picked him up.”

Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft also helped organize Saturday’s exploitation education event.

The neighbor who allegedly exploited Cartagena is set to appear in court this month on a felony charge of exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and ten thousand dollars in fines, plus restitution.

Full Article & Source:
Elderly exploitation victim uses his story to warn other vulnerable seniors

Rome Woman Jailed for Using Elderly/Disabled Persons Bank Card

Posted by Staff Reports

Amber Nicole Farmer, 31 of Rome, was arrested this week after reports said he used an elderly/disabled person’s bank card without approval to make $716 in purchases.

Reports added that the incidents occurred between May 1 and July 1 2024.

Farmer is charged with exploitation and intimidation of the elderly.

Full Article & Source:
Rome Woman Jailed for Using Elderly/Disabled Persons Bank Card

Pennsylvania Couple Accused of Locking Elderly Woman in Basement and Splurging Her Savings

by Zainuddin Harinder

HARRISBURG, PA — A York County husband and wife are facing multiple charges, including allegations of neglect and financial exploitation, following claims that they abandoned a care-dependent woman in a basement while misusing her finances.

Ashlee Brady and Brian Brady, both 32, of Hanover, have been accused of leaving Ashlee’s mother, a care-dependent elderly woman, in the basement of her home under unsafe and unsanitary conditions in February 2024. Emergency Medical Services discovered the victim after a relative placed a call for assistance.

According to investigators, the victim was allegedly left alone, locked behind a dog gate in a corner of the basement with limited food and water. The couple is accused of taking an overnight trip with their children while leaving the woman in this condition.

Further investigation revealed allegations of financial exploitation. Prosecutors allege the couple misused over $10,000 of the victim’s funds for personal expenses, such as vacations and alcohol. Additionally, Brian Brady is accused of submitting false hours for Medicaid reimbursement through his employment, claiming to have provided care services that were not rendered.

Ashlee Brady, who served as her mother’s power of attorney, faces charges of financial exploitation, neglect, conspiracy, perjury, and intimidating a witness. Brian Brady, a paid caregiver for the victim, is charged with similar offenses, including multiple counts of Medicaid fraud.

Attorney General Dave Sunday called the acts “disturbing,” stating, “These defendants were family members entrusted with this victim’s care and financial well-being. My office is committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents.”

The defendants are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 27.

Authorities remind the public that charges are merely allegations, and both Ashlee and Brian Brady are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Full Article & Source:
Pennsylvania Couple Accused of Locking Elderly Woman in Basement and Splurging Her Savings

Marion County woman faces charges

A Jasper woman has been indicted and arrested, following a joint investigation by special agents with the TBI Medicaid Fraud Control Division and detectives with the South Pittsburg Police Department.

In July 2024, following a referral from Adult Protect Services, agents and detectives began investigating reports of irregularities in financial records of some residents of a South Pittsburg health care facility. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that from May 2022 through July 2024, the company’s then-business manager, Ashley Pickett, was responsible for the financial exploitation of four of the residents there. Pickett is no longer employed at the facility.

On Feb. 3, the Marion County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Ashley Nicole Pickett, 38, with two counts of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly/ Vulnerable Person $10,000-$60,000, two counts of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly/ Vulnerable Person $2,500-$10,000 and one count of Forgery. Pickett was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

Full Article & Source:
Marion County woman faces charges

Keeping Seniors Safe From Scams and Fraud With the NJ State Library

From robocalls and fraudulent texts to phishing, identity theft, and more, scams are a pervasive and prevalent piece of the digital age. Each year, countless time, resources, and funds are lost thanks to fraudsters who prey upon the most vulnerable members of our communities. While anyone can fall victim to a scam, this issue is of particular concern for our senior population. With new healthcare scams and schemes popping up every day, there has never been a more important time to remain vigilant, educated, and alert of the signs of fraudulent activity. For those seeking to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from harm, equipping yourself with knowledge is the best protection you can employ against those seeking to do harm. And with the help of the New Jersey State Library’s upcoming webinar, you’ll be savvy to scams in no time.

On Tuesday, February 25th, the New Jersey State Library will be hosting “Scams and Frauds for Seniors”. This informative conversation will take place virtually from 12pm to 1pm on Zoom. Your host for the afternoon will be Michael Rosati, who will be representing the New Jersey Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. This discussion will cover a variety of important topics, including the various types of scams criminals employ today, as well as practical tips and strategies to utilize in your own life to better protect against these schemes.

As with all New Jersey State Library webinars, this discussion is completely free to attend. However, advanced registration is required. For those interested in tuning in, please register on Zoom, linked here: Register – NJSL. This conversation is perfect for seniors who are interested in keeping themselves safe from scams, as well as family and caregivers seeking to keep their loved ones safe.

The afternoon’s host, Michael Rosati, is a subject matter expert with years of relevant experience in the field. A member of the New Jersey Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) since 2017, Mr. Rosati has worked a wide variety of criminal cases involving high-dollar provider fraud schemes, pharmaceutical drug diversion, theft, financial exploitation, as well as cases involving the abuse and/or neglect of disabled or elderly victims. As of May 2024, Mr. Rosati has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant within the MFCU, where he continues to conduct investigations and supervise a team of detectives assigned to the southern region of the state. Additionally, Mr. Rosati is a member of the New Jersey Elder Protection Task Force, where he works with communities across the state to help keep our seniors safe and thriving.

For more information about this and other upcoming events at the New Jersey State Library, please visit their website, linked here: NJSL – Home. To learn more about upcoming webinars and other resources, please visit the NJSL’s Events Calendar, linked here: Events – NJSL. You can also keep up with the New Jersey State Library on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have any questions, please contact NJSL staff at (609) 278-2640 with any inquiries you may have.

Full Article & Source:
Keeping Seniors Safe From Scams and Fraud With the NJ State Library

Wendy Williams' Conservatorship Inspires Family Visitation Rights Reform by New York Senator

Story by Lovebscott

Wendy Williams’ guardianship woes are commanding the attention of at least one New York lawmaker … who’s making a big push so her family can easily visit her.

New York lawmaker Anthony Palumbo announced his initiative to reintroduce “Karilyn’s Law,” a measure designed to reform the current guardianship laws in New York State regarding family visitation.

At the heart of Palumbo’s proposal is the belief that families should not be forcibly separated from their loved ones due to guardianship circumstances. “Karilyn’s Law” would allow family members to file a motion with the court seeking visitation rights. Once submitted, the guardian would have 10 days to demonstrate whether the visitor is displaying any inappropriate behavior. If the guardian fails to prove such claims, families would be granted the right to visit.

Palumbo has long followed Williams’ case and expressed deep concern over her current living situation, describing it as “tragic” that she is confined to her apartment and away from her loved ones. He believes it is critical for people like Williams—regardless of any cognitive decline they may be experiencing—to maintain familial connections during difficult times.

The renewed attention surrounding Williams’ case has prompted a wave of support for Palumbo’s legislative efforts. Since he first introduced “Karilyn’s Law” back in 2022, his office has reportedly received countless calls and emails from citizens expressing their concerns about Williams’ guardianship ordeal. Palumbo recognizes the unfortunate truth that celebrity tragedies often serve as wake-up calls for legislative reform, sparking public interest where there might otherwise be none.

The controversy surrounding Wendy Williams’ guardianship began after Wells Fargo took significant action in early 2022 to freeze her bank accounts, successfully petitioning the court for temporary financial guardianship because she was of “unsound mind.” Williams has vehemently opposed this characterization and is actively fighting to regain control over her finances.

While legal battles continue on that front, the underlying issues raised by Williams’ situation are far-reaching. They touch on critical topics regarding the rights and autonomy of individuals who may be vulnerable and at risk of financial exploitation, particularly those facing health concerns.

As lawmakers like Palumbo advocate for reforms, Wendy Williams’ case may very well redefine how guardianship laws are handled in New York—and possibly beyond.

In the wake of tragedy, it seems the voice of advocacy is growing louder, demanding that families not be sidelined or silenced in the realms of guardianship and visitation. The hope is that “Karilyn’s Law” will catalyze positive change, paving the way for families to retain their right to connection when it matters most.

Full Article & Source:
Wendy Williams' Conservatorship Inspires Family Visitation Rights Reform by New York Senator

See Also:
TMZ: Wendy Williams 'locked up in a room', dementia diagnosis in question

FIGHT FOR FREEDOM Wendy Williams’ lawyer to ‘file petition to terminate guardianship’ after struggling star claims she’s ‘in a prison’

Wendy Williams Dementia Denial Pushes Legal Guardian To Order A New Medical Evaluation

Judge allows Wendy Williams to fly to Miami to celebrate her father’s 94th birthday amid guardianship battle

Why Wendy Williams Reportedly Fired Attorney Amid #FreeWendy Battle

Britney Spears Steps in to Help Wendy Williams Get Out of 'Abusive' Conservatorship

Wendy Williams

Three Years After Britney, Wendy Williams Shows Celebrity Conservatorships May Still Be Toxic to Women

Senator Palumbo and Families Push for Guardianship Reform Urge Passage of Karilyn’s Law in 2025

Conviction in Elderly Exploitation Case

Posted on February 14, 2025

Franado Ray Brown Jr. has been convicted of multiple charges in a case involving financial exploitation of the elderly. The jury returned the guilty verdict just after 7 p.m. Thursday night in Lee County, following a three-day trial. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Jessica Horowitz, of the State Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.

The defendant was found guilty of:

• Count I: Grand Theft from a Person 65 Years of Age or Older, including the finding for the value of the property

• Count II: Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card

• Count III: Unlawful Possession of the Personal Identification Information of Another Person

• Count IV: Exploiting Elderly/Disabled Person, including the finding for the value of the funds, asset, or property

• Count V: Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card

• Count VI: Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card

• Count VII: Exploiting Elderly/Disabled Person, including the finding for the value of the funds

• Count VIII: Theft, including the finding for the value of the property

The victim in this case was a 72-year-old physically disabled adult, who took in the defendant in exchange for room and board. The defendant was to be assisting the victim with his errands, medication organization, and transportation. The victim provided the defendant with access to a debit card for the victim’s necessary purchases, but the defendant added his name to the victim’s credit card accounts, charging thousands of dollars.

The victim never gave permission for the defendant to add his name to the account or use the credit cards. In addition to charges for hotels and bars, the defendant took thousands of dollars of cash advances from the cards.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crimes. The defendant admitted to law enforcement that he used the funds to buy Fentanyl for himself and a friend.

The victim was unable to testify but multiple physicians, both local and out of state, testified on behalf of the victim.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2025.

Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office

Source:
Conviction in Elderly Exploitation Case