Could Hailey Bieber be granted conservatorship over Justin Bieber? Legal experts weigh in

 Is Justin's erratic behaviour troubling enough to warrant a conservatorship?

by Swagatalakshmi Roychowdhury  

Justin Bieber's recent erratic behaviour, both online and in public, has sparked concern among fans, some of whom are now speculating whether his wife, Hailey Bieber, might seek legal conservatorship over him. T

Though the idea may sound extreme, legal experts suggest it’s not entirely out of the question.

Conservatorship is considered a last resort for those unable to care for themselves

A conservatorship is a legal mechanism typically reserved for individuals who are no longer able to manage their own personal or financial affairs, such as elderly people with dementia or those suffering from serious mental illness. If granted, it gives a court-appointed individual, called a conservator, significant control over decisions involving the conservatee’s life.

While conservatorships are designed to protect, they have come under scrutiny in recent years, most notably during Britney Spears' high-profile legal battle, which highlighted how the system can be misused.

In an interview, attorney Jamie Wright commented on the situation: “If Justin Bieber’s behaviour, including erratic social media activity, emotional instability, and signs of isolation, is as troubling as it seems, then yes, a conservatorship could legally be considered.”

Still, Wright emphasized that conservatorships are treated as a “legal nuclear option," aka a last resort. Particularly in California, where the Biebers reside, courts now require substantial medical evidence and do not rely solely on public behaviour or internet speculation to make such decisions.

Since the Britney Spears case, both courts and the public have grown more cautious about imposing such strict legal arrangements.

Should a case be pursued, it would likely be initiated by Hailey or Justin's mother, Pattie Mallette. They would need to demonstrate, with medical and legal backing, that Justin is either a danger to himself or others, or unable to responsibly manage his own affairs.

Recently, Hailey and Justin have welcomed their first child, a baby boy, and neither party has made any public comment about the rumours. 

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Could Hailey Bieber be granted conservatorship over Justin Bieber? Legal experts weigh in 

Warrant: Ex-Ansonia mayoral candidate stole $23K from 'vulnerable' elderly woman with dementia

By Jesse Leavenworth

ANSONIA — A city public works employee and former mayoral candidate stole more than $23,000 from an elderly woman who was diagnosed with progressive dementia, according to a warrant for his arrest.

Harry Danley, 55, a petitioning candidate in the three-way race for the executive seat in 2023, is charged with first-degree larceny for cashing numerous checks the 85-year-old woman wrote, including a total of $10,000 over two days in April 2024, police said.

The woman's lawn care provider for many years, Danley told police the funds were loans from one friend to another, but he has paid back only a small fraction of the checks he cashed from January 2020 to February this year, the warrant said.

City officials could not be reached Friday about Danley's employment status.

The vicim's daughters complained to police in March after noticing irregularities in their mother's checking account, Detective Richard Esposito wrote in the arrest warrant affidavit. One daughter is her mother's financial conservator and the other is her conservator for medical needs, Esposito wrote.

A letter from a physician's office dated March 19 says the elderly woman was being treated for progressive dementia, "which impairs her ability to problem-solve and increases her vulnerablity for financial exploitation," the warrant says.

Danley told Esposito in an initial interview on March 27 that "he didn't do anything wrong," the warrant says.

"He said he has cut (the victim's) lawn for the last thirty years and the money/checks she gave him was a loan," the warrant says.

Danley told Esposito that he was having financial troubles when he took the loans, including the foreclosure of a house he owned in Ansonia, the warrant said. He said he owed the woman $20,000, but provided only two transaction receipts signed by her, one for $2,000 and another for $100, Esposito wrote. Asked if he knew the woman had dementia, Danley said he had no idea, the warrant says.

Danley admitted he had not repaid the loans as he should have, but he told police he intended to sell the house he owned on North Cliff Street and pay the woman back with proceeds from the sale, the warrant says. City property records, however, showed an outstanding tax bill of $5,066 on the property and the owner listed as Sachem Capital Corp., the warrant said.

"It appears that Harry Danley exploited (the elderly woman's) vulnerability and gave her false promises and misrepresentations of being able to pay her back... plus telling her about selling his home that technically is not even his to sell," Esposito wrote.

Danley was released after posting a $35,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Derby on June 18, police said. 

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Warrant: Ex-Ansonia mayoral candidate stole $23K from 'vulnerable' elderly woman with dementia

Colorado nursing home employees arrested for elder abuse

By Sadie Buggle

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (KRDO) – Two Centennial nursing home employees have been arrested after a 92-year-old woman with severe dementia was discovered with unexplained broken bones, leading to an elder abuse investigation.

According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), 33-year-old Patience Jackson, an employee of the Orchard Park Health Care Center, was arrested at her home on June 11. She's now facing charges of criminal negligence, crimes against an at-risk person, and complicity – all class 5 felonies.

Authorities said that on May 9, an investigator was called to Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree to look into allegations of elder abuse against a 92-year-old woman suffering from severe dementia.

The investigator was called after hospital employees noticed the woman, who had been transported to the hospital via ambulance from Orchard Park Health Care Center, had two separate broken bones in her lower leg.

Hospital employees told the investigator that the woman's injuries didn't seem to match up with the report given to them by Orchard Park, who said that the woman was "found sitting in her wheelchair, screaming for help in terrible pain." The nursing home also reported that no one had seen her fall, and that they did not know what had happened, ACSO said.

After a four-week investigation, investigators gathered evidence showing that two Orchard Park employees – Patience Jackson, a certified nursing assistant, and Zainab Namale, a licensed practical nurse – had provided false information about how the woman was injured and worked to hide the truth.  

Investigators now believe the woman’s injuries occurred on May 8 and were the result of criminal negligence, a crime against an at-risk person, leading them to obtain arrest warrants for both employees.

ACSO said Jackson was booked into the Arapahoe County Detention Facility, where she's being held on a $2,500 bond. There is currently an active arrest warrant for Namale.

The sheriff's office said the case remains an active and ongoing investigation.

"If you ever encounter someone being abused, it is critical to take action," ACSO said in a press release Wednesday. "Please contact your local law enforcement or County Department of Adult Protective Services. Your prompt response can make a difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable citizens."

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Colorado nursing home employees arrested for elder abuse 

Cobb County man found dead in home, caregiver arrested

By Denise Dillon

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Cobb County man was found dead in his home. Now, the woman who was supposed to be taking care of him is in jail.

What we know:

According to an arrest warrant, Earl Douglas suffered from infected bed sores and had lost significant weight in recent months.

The document states his caregiver, 62-year-old Rachel Ward, "failed to provide adequate shelter, keeping him inside a house with no air conditioning and failing to clean his room, his bed, or himself when soiled."

What they're saying:

Neighbors say the two had lived in the same home on Stoneridge Drive in Marietta for several years. They say the caregiver was always very friendly.

"For the longest I thought she was a very good person, did everything, took care of the man," said Bobby Mosher, who lives next door.

Mosher has lived on Stoneridge Drive for 30 years. The house next door had been a rental for most of that time, until Douglas moved back in several years ago.

Mosher said Douglas had a stroke.

"I'd see him wrapped up on the back porch, she'd have him out there wrapped up, getting some sun or something," said Mosher.

He says the last time he saw Douglas was a couple of months ago, when Douglas fell out of his wheelchair in the driveway and Ward needed help getting him up.

"Once she grabbed a hold, he was always 'ow ow ow!' I said, dang, something is wrong. I told her, you better call an ambulance and have this man looked at," said Mosher.

When Mosher saw police cars line the street Wednesday morning, he knew something was terribly wrong.

"They were walking her to the police car in handcuffs, and she said 'Hi Bobby,' and I said 'Hi, is anything wrong?' and that's when the police officers turned to me and came to tell me that Earl passed," said Mosher.

What's next:

Ward has been charged with Neglect of an Elderly Person. She's being held in the Cobb County Jail without bond. At this time, we do not have information on a court date. 

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Cobb County man found dead in home, caregiver arrested 

Caregiver arrested for abuse of 3 women with intellectual disabilities in Centreville

By Bryan Henry

CENTREVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - A man was arrested for the abuse of three women in west Alabama.

We first learned about the abuse case in March. The Centreville police chief says one man is now accused of abusing at least three women with intellectual disabilities. One of the victims had serious injuries.

Centreville investigators identified the suspect as Matthew Stacy, a Bibb County man who is currently in the Bibb County Jail, according to court records. Stacy is said to be in his 40s.

“It’s a very uncommon thing to see in Bibb County,” said Centreville Police Chief Rodney Smith.

And that “uncommon thing” is Stacy’s role as a caregiver for the three survivors. What started out as an investigation involving one victim evolved into three.

“I think it stems more from psychological abuse rather than physical abuse. Even though there was physical abuse, it’s more psychological,” said Smith.

Investigators also believe Stacy stole hundreds of dollars worth of monthly government checks that belonged to the women he was caring for. The chief says that amount could be higher.

“I think it was the financial exploitation he was doing with each one of the victims, and I think that was the background of the motive. I don’t know if that was the complete motive,” said Smith.

Stacy faces felony charges pertaining to physical and financial abuse. Of the three survivors, one required surgery.

“Because the marks on her back had set up for infections,” said Smith.

It’s still unclear for now how Stacy became the caregiver for the three women. That, too, is part of the ongoing investigation, according to Smith.

“Not to my knowledge. He hasn’t confessed to any of the charges,” said Smith.

Today, one victim is in a nursing home. The other two are with family members in Bibb and Perry counties.

Smith has had a long career in law enforcement. He saw first-hand the emotional trauma in this case.

“I hope I never see it again,” said Smith.

Smith says based on the evidence they have now, they are not aware of any additional victims.

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Caregiver arrested for abuse of 3 women with intellectual disabilities in Centreville 

Executor embezzles $3.7 million from dementia patient, exposing a growing elder-fraud crisis

When a 66-year-old trustee systematically drained $3.7 million from his 92-year-old dementia patient’s accounts, it laid bare the devastating human toll behind soaring elder-fraud statistics. Now, cooperatives like Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union are responding with age-friendly alerts, legal safe harbors, red-flag training, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day initiatives to turn data into decisive protection.

After befriending a 92-year-old woman who suffered from senile dementia—and, after being named her executor and trustee, a 66-year-old man systematically drained $3.7 million from her accounts through withdrawals, checks, and credit-card charges.  

The man then squandered the funds on lavish vacations, gourmet dining, high-end shopping, theater tickets, alcohol—and even extensive plastic surgery—leaving the woman’s estate and heirs virtually penniless.  

That’s all, according to the district attorney, who condemned the crime as a “take advantage of an elderly woman suffering from senile dementia,” noting that the betrayal not only robbed the woman of her lifetime savings but also violated the fiduciary duty he was entrusted to uphold.

Unfortunately, this type of crime is common. In 2024, older Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams and fraud—a 25 percent increase over 2023’s $10 billion—while victims aged 60 and older filed 147,127 complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, reporting $4.9 billion in losses (a 43 percent jump).  

What elder financial exploitation is—and why it matters

The Department of Justice defines elder financial exploitation as the improper use of an age-60-or-older adult's funds, property, or resources by another individual, including, but not limited to, fraud, false pretenses, embezzlement, conspiracy, forgery, falsifying records, coercion, property transfers, or denying them access to their wealth.

The figures above underscore not only the scale of financial harm but also the urgency for proactive defenses.  

The most common types

In conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union posted a news item stressing how tellers and member-services staff become the first line of defense in daily interactions.  

Appalachian Community FCU also shared a list of the most common elderly financial abuse:

• Property theft
• Misuse of income or assets
• Forged checks
• Fraudulent use of Power of Attorney privileges
• Lotteries and phony contests
• Phony solicitation from charities
• Investment fraud
• Medical scams
• Contractor scams
• Grandparent/grandchild imposter emergency scams
• Sweetheart or romance scams

Common schemes and red flags  

There are warning signs that credit unions can be mindful of. It might be something as eye-catching as sudden large withdrawals or abrupt shifts in an investment strategy. It could be something as subtle as a new signer on an established account. These often occur through common schemes:

Family or caregivers: Misuse of joint accounts or powers of attorney remains prevalent.  

Strangers: Romance scams, tech-support imposters, and “grandparent emergency” pitches drive urgent wire-transfer requests.  

Financial professionals: High-pressure investment solicitations and unauthorized transfers occur often enough that many states now permit temporary “report-and-hold” freezes when exploitation is suspected.  

Credit unions as front-line defenders

At Achieva Credit Union’s Clearwater branch in early 2025, an 89-year-old member arrived to withdraw $9,500 after receiving a call from someone claiming to be her grandson’s attorney. Teller Jennifer Sgro recognized the unusually large, urgent request, engaged the member in conversation, and then quietly called the grandson—who was safe and unaware of any legal trouble—and the member’s daughter.  

Sgro subsequently notified local law enforcement and placed the transaction on hold, effectively blocking the scammer and preserving the member’s life savings. This swift, informed response underscores how empowered frontline staff—armed with red-flag training and trusted-contact procedures—can turn routine withdrawals into critical fraud interventions.

Credit unions can consider how to establish their own red-flag alerts and rapid interventions:

Trusted contacts. Encourage members to designate a trusted third party—often a family member—whom staff may alert before questionable transactions proceed. Collect the trusted contact’s information at account opening.

Legal safe harbor. The Senior Safe Act and FINRA/SEC guidelines shield good-faith staff who pause or report suspicious transactions from liability.

Mandatory training. Institutions leverage up-to-date modules—from CFPB’s Office for Older Americans to NASAA/FINRA toolkits—to refresh red-flag recognition annually.

Embed fraud alerts. Place fraud alerts within e-statements, mobile-app banners, and lobby signage.  

Formalize “report-and-hold” procedures. Aligned procedures with state safe-harbor statutes to freeze suspect disbursements up to 15 days.  

Host World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events. For example, EECU Credit Union (Fort Worth, Tex.) is planning an on-campus “Purple Pep Rally & Walk” on June 13, 2025, to demonstrate an in-person community campaign—complete with purple tees, informational booths, and survivor testimonials—to raise local awareness of elder-exploitation schemes.

With more than $12.5 billion in verified 2024 losses and nearly 150,000 elder-victim complaints, the imperative for credit unions is clear. By embedding age-friendly features and equipping staff with current red-flag training, credit unions can protect their members’ savings and strengthen trust at every branch.  

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Executor embezzles $3.7 million from dementia patient, exposing a growing elder-fraud crisis 

Centre officials warn of abuse, financial scams targeting seniors

Office of Aging to host Scam Jam on Aug. 13

by HUNTER SMITH

BELLEFONTE — Reports of elder abuse in Centre County have surged five-fold over the last decade, prompting the Board of Commissioners to proclaim June 2025 as Elder Abuse Prevention Month.

Speaking before the county commissioners this week, Quentin Burchfield and Sheri Neale-Gummo of the Centre County Office of Aging revealed that over 350 reports of elder abuse were made in 2024, a dramatic increase from years past. They attributed the rise to a combination of heightened awareness of what constitutes abuse and increasingly sophisticated financial scams.

While elder abuse can sometimes be egregious, it often takes more subtle forms as neglect or maltreatment. Examples of elder abuse can include physical abuse, neglect, self-neglect, sexual abuse and financial exploitation.

“It’s the same across Pennsylvania. Every year, you’re looking at an increased percentage of reports coming in,” said Burchfield, director of the Office of Aging.

“We believe some of it is recognition,” he said, though he did not discount the possibility that the actual occurrence of abuse is also rising.

Recently, Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich announced that, for the first time, financial exploitation has surpassed self-neglect as the most commonly reported issue to the department.

In Centre County alone, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been stolen from elderly residents. Statewide, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General estimates that criminals stole between $260 million and $2.1 billion from Pennsylvanians over the age of 60 in 2022. They also estimate that more than 28,000 Pennsylvania seniors were victimized by financial scams in the 2022-23 fiscal year, which is up nearly 30 percent from the previous year.

Often, the money stolen by these criminals is unrecoverable, which the Office of Aging and county commissioners say underscores the importance of educating seniors about new and evolving scams before they become victims.

“The financial exploitations are getting more complex, and they are getting more difficult to investigate,” said Burchfield.

The Office of Aging representatives explained that, increasingly, scammers are adopting new techniques to dupe their victims, including spoofing calls, conducting background research or creating “deepfake” – hyper-realistic AI-generated or manipulated media – to make their scams more convincing.

“AI has taken it to a whole other level,” said Burchfield. “It becomes very believable.”

“We’re hearing horror stories,” he said, of calls mimicking voices of grandchildren in trouble. Commissioner Amber Concepcion mentioned that her own parents have been targeted by scammers using similar tactics.

The representatives said, often, the victims of these scams are older adults who are isolated or cognitively impaired.

“They are using that vulnerability to really pray on them,” said Neale-Gummo.

She warned that in some particularly serious cases, scammers have shown up at victims’ homes, which she shared has already happened in Centre County. In one instance, she said, an abuser physically took gold from a victim’s home.

“But what’s not talked about a lot,” Burchfield said “are friends and family members who are exploiting their loved ones.”

He explained that this abuse often takes the form of a relative opening credit cards or bank accounts in the victim’s name.

Scammers of all sorts frequently exploit their victims’ embarrassment or fear of retribution to keep them from coming forward. In other cases, they convince the victim that the money will be returned or that it was spent for a good cause.

The representatives urged anyone who has fallen victim to a scam to come forward and speak with the police to prevent further exploitation. They emphasized that the Office of Aging, the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement are all ready to help, without judgement, and that state and federal legislators also have resources available to support victims.

The Office of Aging operates a 24/7 on-call service to take reports of elder abuse and employs three full-time protective service workers whose job it is to investigate allegations of neglect, abuse, exploitation and abandonment. These workers determine the facts of each allegation and, if the person needs protective services, develop a plan to eliminate or reduce the risk of abuse. The office is currently hiring to fill one of these protective service positions.

To help educate the public about these scams, the Office of Aging will be hosting a Scam Jam event on Aug. 13, 2025, at the new Community Services Building, 502 E. Howard Street, Bellefonte. Sponsored by Rep. Paul Takac (D-Centre), the event is intended to help educate older adults about the risk, identification and prevention of phone-based scams

The Commissioners urged the community to think of their role in preventing elder abuse, especially when an older person’s ability to advocate for themselves has been diminished or lost.

Based on current projections, the super-senior population in Centre County, which includes people over the age of 85, will double in the next 25 years. The Commissioners noted how imperative it is that we establish a norm for protecting our elders both in the present and for the future.

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Centre officials warn of abuse, financial scams targeting seniors  

Four arrested in Valdosta for physical, mental, and financial abuse

Release:

A wellness check that was conducted by a detective and Lowndes County Department of Family and Children Services, results in the arrest of four adults, who had been physically, mentally, and financially abusing a victim.

On May 19, 2025, at 1 pm., a Detective with the Valdosta Police Department received a request from the Lowndes County Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS), to escort them to a residence in the 2500 block of Jerry Jones Drive to assist them with a wellness check on an adult female. DFACS provided the detective with information that there had been allegations that a 37-year-old female at this residence, was being physically abused.

At the residence, the detective contacted Sherri Goode, 44, and Louren Riley, 46. Both Sherri and Louren appeared to be evasive and would not cooperate with answering questions from the detective. Due to their actions at the front door, the detective called for other officers to respond to assist her.

When other officers and detectives arrived, they found the 37-year-old female victim inside the residence, and she needed medical assistance. SGMC Emergency Medical Services responded to the residence, and the female was later taken to the hospital for treatment.

Sherri and Louren were taken to the Valdosta Police Department to speak with detectives. They were later transported to Lowndes County Jail.

Through investigation, detectives found evidence that showed over a significant amount of time, the victim was physically, mentally, and financially abused by Sherri and Louren, along with Sherri’s husband, Kenneth Goode, 46, and the victim’s daughter, Kiera Tolliver, 19.

On May 21, 2025, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Sherri, Louren, Kenneth, and Kiera, for the following charges:

• Kidnapping-felony;

• False imprisonment-felony;

• Aggravated assault-felony;

• Aggravated battery-felony;

• Exploitation and intimidation of a Disabled Adult-felony;

• 4 counts of cruelty to a child in the 1st degree-felony; and

• Battery-misdemeanor.

After obtaining the arrest warrants, detectives received information that Kenneth and Kiera were at a location in Dooly County, Georgia. Detectives contacted deputies and investigators at the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office and provided information on their

location. They quickly located Kenneth and Kiera, taking them into custody without incident.

VPD Detectives met with deputies at the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office and took custody of Kenneth and Kiera. They transported them back to Valdosta, where they were later turned over to Lowndes County Jail.

The victim is continuing to receive medical treatment, at an undisclosed facility. There were four children under the age of 10 in the residence, while this abuse had been occurring. DFACS has taken custody of the children to ensure they are being taken care of.

This investigation, which involves VPD, DFACS, the CAC, the Haven, and the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, is still ongoing and more charges will be forthcoming. At this point in the investigation, detectives have not found any evidence that the children were physically abused.

“This is the most horrific case that our department has investigated in most of our careers, and our prayers go out to the victim and the children. The teamwork between all of our community partners in getting needed resources quickly, has been amazing. We also appreciate the assistance from the Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division and the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office, who did not hesitate to help us locate two of our offenders. We will continue working with our District Attorney’s Office to ensure these callous monsters are held accountable for everything they have done.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan

If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please get in touch with the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department. 

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Four arrested in Valdosta for physical, mental, and financial abuse 

Former caregiver accused of exploiting vulnerable man for DoorDash, rent payments

by Megan Brugger

VERNAL, Utah (KUTV) — A former caregiver to a man needing 24/7 assistance was arrested after she allegedly used his credit card for thousands of dollars worth of unauthorized purchases.

Kimberlee Marie Kelly, 25, was arrested on suspicion of intentional financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a third-degree felony; unlawful acquisition/possession/transfer of a financial card, a third-degree felony; and unlawful use of a financial card, a third-degree felony.

A detective with the Vernal Police Department began investigating the case on Oct. 30, 2024. The initial report indicated that nearly $4,000 had been spent in unauthorized DoorDash transactions.

The victim, who has limited capacity to manage his finances, "is only allowed one supervised DoorDash order per week," the affidavit states. "[The victim] does not have a DoorDash account and relies on staff members to facilitate these transactions."

Additionally, two rent payments for Kelly and her sister had been made using the victim's card. The charges were later disputed and refunded.

The detective interviewed the sister, who said the rent was paid by what she believed was Kelly's credit card.

"[The sister] remained adamant she never had access to [the victim's] card or used DoorDash," the affidavit states.

Kelly reportedly initially avoided police contact and denied helping her sister pay rent, despite statements and records indicating otherwise.

According to the affidavit, Kelly then claimed the victim authorized her to use his card via a handwritten note he signed. The detective, however, said the note was dated before her employment.

Kelly later denied seeing or using the card herself, and denied remembering the note.

"Kimberlee also claimed other staff had used [the victim's] card for DoorDash, and she stopped doing so once told not to," the affidavit states.

The property manager from where the rent was paid confirmed that both transactions originated from the victim's account and were processed through the sisters' rental portals.

Kelly was placed into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Uintah County Jail. 

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Former caregiver accused of exploiting vulnerable man for DoorDash, rent payments 

Mechanicville woman charged with stealing $50K from guardianship fund

by: Jackson Tollerton

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Saratoga County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Mechanicville woman after a forgery investigation. 48-year-old Lisa McMahon faces felony charges.

McMahon is accused of submitting forged documents involving a guardianship account to a Clifton Park credit union in January 2024. The account reportedly belongs to someone that she had court-appointed guardianship over.

According to detectives, McMahon allegedly took out over $50,000 from the account without getting court approval. The investigation resulted in her being taken into custody on June 4.

McMahon was charged with second-degree grand larceny and second-degree possession of a forged instrument. She was arraigned at Clifton Park Town Court before being released on her own recognizance.

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Mechanicville woman charged with stealing $50K from guardianship fund 

Harmony Woman Charged with 18 Felonies for Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult

by Zech Sindt 

A Harmony woman is facing 18 felony charges for allegedly misappropriating more than $100,000 from her elderly mother over a 16-month span, in what authorities are calling a significant case of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Kisa Lyn O’Connor, 45, of Harmony, has been charged in Fillmore County District Court with 18 counts of felony financial exploitation. The charges allege that from November 2023 through February 2025, O’Connor systematically diverted her mother’s financial assets for her personal use, despite being entrusted with fiduciary responsibilities.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim, identified as a vulnerable adult due to a diagnosis of dementia and a progressive cognitive disorder, moved into O’Connor’s residence in December 2023 after living independently in Pine Island. Around the time of the move, the victim’s home was sold for approximately $178,000 and her Pershing brokerage account was liquidated for $38,628.37. These proceeds were deposited into her Wells Fargo account, which was jointly held by O’Connor and the victim’s other daughter.

In the months that followed, a series of large withdrawals and questionable transactions raised red flags. On November 4, 2023, O’Connor allegedly wrote herself a check for $17,000, and a second $17,000 check was issued to the victim’s other daughter on the same day. In January 2024, an additional $22,000 was withdrawn, followed by a $75,000 withdrawal in March. A further $18,000 was removed in June.

The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) began receiving reports in early 2024 concerning the welfare of the victim and O’Connor’s control over her financial accounts. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department initiated an investigation led by Captain Dan Dornink. The investigation revealed that O’Connor was transferring large sums into her own personal bank accounts, withdrawing cash, and making retail purchases, often without clear documentation or explanation.

Bank records and family testimony indicated that O’Connor was storing thousands of dollars in cash in a safe at her residence and used frequent deposits to supplement her income. Investigators also learned that O’Connor had removed her sister as co-power of attorney and sole executor of the will, assuming full control over the victim’s financial affairs.

The complaint says medical evaluations from Mayo Clinic in August and October 2023, and again in February 2024, confirmed the victim was suffering from cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer’s disease. Physicians concluded she lacked the capacity to make financial decisions or understand complex transactions during the timeframe in question.

O’Connor told investigators that she and her sister had reached an agreement to compensate her $2,000 per month for caring for their mother, retroactive to November 2023. She claimed a lump sum of $14,000 was withdrawn for seven months of caregiving, along with $4,000 for transportation and medical-related mileage. A handwritten agreement signed by both daughters and the victim was provided, dated July 9, 2024. However, law enforcement determined that significant withdrawals had occurred prior to this agreement and far exceeded what could be justified by the documented arrangement.

From October 2024 through February 2025 alone, investigators documented over $45,000 in additional withdrawals from the victim’s accounts. These included ATM withdrawals, transfers to O’Connor’s personal account, and large cash extractions. In one instance, O’Connor withdrew $24,000 from the victim’s F&M Community Bank account, but returned the funds only after being contacted by law enforcement.

The complaint further alleges that O’Connor used the victim’s funds for over $2,900 in Walmart purchases and more than $2,300 in Amazon purchases. These transactions were not authorized by the victim, and investigators concluded they were for the benefit of O’Connor or third parties.

Captain Dornink and Fillmore County Adult Protection social worker Stephanie Hoffman met with O’Connor on multiple occasions during the investigation. O’Connor maintained that the financial arrangements were agreed upon by the family. However, investigators noted that her explanations often changed, and no formal accounting of expenses was ever produced.

Each of the 18 felony charges is classified under Minnesota Statute 609.2335, relating to the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The most serious charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine, while lesser charges carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine. The complaint states that the total value of misappropriated funds far exceeds the statutory felony thresholds of $5,000 and $35,000.

A summons has been issued for O’Connor to appear via Zoom in Fillmore County District Court on July 1.

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Harmony Woman Charged with 18 Felonies for Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult 

Priscilla Presley Lawsuit Unmasks Brutal Financial Elder Abuse Claims in Bitter 80th Birthday Showdown

Priscilla Presley, pictured at a past public event, is now at the center of a high-profile lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging financial elder abuse and fraud.

Critical Details:

Alleged Betrayal: Presley sues former confidante Brigitte Kruse for alleged financial elder abuse, claiming she was conned out of more than $1 million in a predatory deal.
Heated Legal Crossfire: Kruse fights back with a countersuit, arguing she rescued Presley from looming financial disaster and is owed compensation.
Legacy at Risk: Friends and family express deep concern for Presley’s health and legacy as legal costs, grief, and public scrutiny threaten to overwhelm her in her 80th year.

By Samuel Lopez – USA Herald

LOS ANGELES, CA – Priscilla Presley’s 80th birthday was supposed to be a milestone of celebration and reflection—a testament to resilience in the face of loss and adversity. Instead, it has been consumed by explosive legal warfare, allegations of financial betrayal, and a public reckoning with the vulnerabilities that come with age and fame.

Presley, the legendary matriarch of rock and roll’s most famous family, is now the plaintiff in a high-profile lawsuit accusing memorabilia dealer Brigitte Kruse and alleged co-conspirators of a sweeping scheme of financial elder abuse. According to Presley’s complaint, Kruse gained her trust, isolated her from longtime advisors, and manipulated her into signing away as much as 80% of her earnings.

“They preyed on an older woman by gaining her trust, isolating her from the most important people in her life, and duping her into believing they would take care of her—personally and financially—while their real goal was to drain her of every last penny she had,” Presley’s lawsuit states.

The legal drama began in 2021, when Presley first connected with Brigitte Kruse, a memorabilia dealer who quickly became a fixture in her inner circle. Court filings reveal a pattern of daily text messages, lavish praise, and promises of loyalty. Presley claims Kruse expertly “wormed her way” into her personal and financial life, persuading her to distrust longtime advisors and accept new arrangements that benefited Kruse and her associates.

The lawsuit alleges Kruse orchestrated a series of contracts and withdrawals, siphoning money from Presley’s accounts under the guise of protecting her financial interests. In one stunning claim, Presley’s legal team describes Kruse as a “con artist and pathological liar” who meticulously isolated the star in order to exploit her vulnerability after the devastating death of her only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023.

Kruse categorically denies the allegations. In a breach of contract countersuit filed in September 2023, Kruse contends she was hired to save Presley from financial ruin—including $700,000 in unpaid taxes—and claims she managed Presley’s affairs in good faith. According to Kruse, Presley was “60 days away from financial collapse” and desperately needed help.

Kruse and her attorneys argue that not only was she authorized to act on Presley’s behalf, but that she is owed substantial compensation for her services. Her team describes Presley’s lawsuit as “defamatory and without merit,”and warns that the legal war is causing irreparable harm to Kruse’s reputation and career.

For Presley, the legal and emotional fallout is profound. The lawsuit comes on the heels of unimaginable personal loss: Lisa Marie’s sudden death at 54 and ongoing struggles involving Presley’s son, Navarone. Sources close to the family say the mounting legal drama is exacerbating Presley’s grief, driving her to maintain a punishing schedule of public appearances just to stay afloat financially.

Despite the storm, Presley leans on her grandchildren—Riley Keough, now 36, and 16-year-old twins Harper and Finley Lockwood. Their support, friends say, is vital as Presley faces mounting legal costs.

Presley’s lawsuit is more than a personal drama—it is a cautionary tale for all families about the hidden risks of elder financial abuse, particularly for high-profile figures. The National Council on Aging estimates that up to five million older Americans fall victim to financial exploitation each year, and legal experts say the Presley case may spark broader conversations about protective safeguards for vulnerable seniors.

Presley’s attorneys allege that Kruse exploited not just her trust but also her grief and isolation after Lisa Marie’s death, using manipulative tactics to extract large sums of money. The case has already drawn widespread attention to the issue of “predatory caregiving” and the ease with which charismatic outsiders can infiltrate even the most well-guarded families.

Both Sides Dig In as the Legal Fight Escalates

Presley’s Allegations:

• Manipulation Through Flattery:Daily texts and emotional support allegedly weaponized to isolate and control Presley.
• Predatory Contracts:Deals that handed over up to 80% of Presley’s future earnings.
• Unauthorized Withdrawals:Accusations that Kruse and associates took “massive payments” from Presley’s accounts.

Kruse’s Defense:

• Rescue Mission:Kruse claims she averted a financial meltdown and acted with Presley’s full authorization.
• Unpaid Services:Kruse argues she is the aggrieved party, owed significant fees for her management and advisory role.
• Character Attacks:Kruse denounces Presley’s claims as malicious and reputation-destroying.

What Lies Ahead for Priscilla Presley?

As Presley’s lawsuit winds through the court system, her personal and financial fate hangs in the balance. The prospect of a protracted legal battle looms, with both sides standing firm and no easy resolution in sight. For Presley, the ordeal is a stark reminder of the dangers even the most celebrated lives can face behind closed doors.

For now, Presley remains silent in the media, her only public statements found in the impassioned court documents that have brought her family’s private pain into the public eye. Kruse continues to defend herself vigorously, and the world watches as one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures fights to reclaim her fortune—and her dignity—in court.

The case citation for Priscilla Presley’s lawsuit against Brigitte Kruse and others is Presley v. Kruse et al., Case No. 23STCV04000, filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. 

Full Article & Source:
Priscilla Presley Lawsuit Unmasks Brutal Financial Elder Abuse Claims in Bitter 80th Birthday Showdown 

See Also:
Priscilla Presley’s Legal Battle Over Alleged Financial Elder Abuse

Priscilla Presley Elder Abuse War: Florida Lawyer ‘Vehemently Denies’ Conspiring With Auctioneer

Priscilla Presley Sues Ex-Advisors for Elder Abuse, Alleging ‘Abhorrent Scheme’ to Steal Her Money

Priscilla Presley challenges Lisa Marie trust amendment that names Riley Keough co-trustee 

"You're breaking my arm!" Police illegally drag 84-year-old widow Dr. Ena Farley from her home

On February 5, 2023, police with no warrant and no court order and no judicial authority kidnapped with force 84-year-old Dr. Ena Farley. She was not mentally incompetent and had not been declared so. She was the sole owner of her house. 

Full Article & Source:
"You're breaking my arm!" Police illegally drag 84-year-old widow Dr. Ena Farley from her home 

The Dark Reality of Guardianship Abuse: The Tragic Case of Dr. Ena Farley

By Christine Montanti

Guardianship abuse is a silent crisis unfolding across the country, affecting some of the most high-net worth and vulnerable members of society—our elderly and disabled. The tragic case of Dr. Ena Farley in New York highlights the urgent need for legislative reform to prevent the exploitation and mistreatment of those under court-appointed guardianship. Her story is a painful reminder of why guardianship reform laws like Karilyn’s Law (S2649) must be enacted to protect individuals from the devastating consequences of unchecked guardianship power.

According to Jonathan Farley, on February 5, 2023, 84-year-old Dr. Ena Farley was forcibly removed from her home, in Monroe County, New York, by police officers—despite no warrant, court order, or judicial authority permitting such an action. At the time, Dr. Farley had not been declared mentally incapacitated, nor had she been placed under an involuntary guardianship when she was physically restrained before being taken away against her will.

Her son, Jonathan Farley, a Harvard-educated mathematics professor who has been featured on local and national television networks for his initiative in creating mathematics programs for gifted students, witnessed this shocking event. Jonathan explains, that Dr. Farley was then placed in a care facility in Irondequoit, New York, where she was isolated from many of her family members and friends, denied access to legal representation, and medicated against her will. Jonathan reveals that a temporary guardian was not even appointed until five weeks after her abduction.

Jonathan Farley asserts the evidence suggests that Dr. Farley’s forced removal was orchestrated by her other son, allegedly in a scheme to sell her home unlawfully. The intended buyer was falsely presented as a home health aide but had close ties to Dr. Farley’s other son who was later named her legal guardian. These actions align with a disturbing pattern often seen in guardianship abuse cases—where vulnerable individuals are isolated, medicated, and stripped of their assets.

Sadly, Dr. Farley passed away in August 2024, just one year after her traumatic removal. According to Jonathan Farley, months before her death, $190,000 mysteriously vanished from her bank accounts, leaving them nearly empty. Jonathan believes that the financial exploitation, combined with her forced isolation and medication, ultimately contributed to her demise.

Jonathan has since spent six figures in legal fees trying to seek justice for his mother, but the damage has already been done. He believes that if Karilyn’s Law had been in place in the New York State Legislature, he would have been able to get into court within 10 days and possibly prevent the tragic sequence of events that led to his mother’s death.

Karilyn’s Law aims to prevent the exact type of abuse that befell Dr. Farley. By ensuring timely legal intervention and safeguarding the rights of individuals placed under guardianship, the law would provide essential protections against wrongful isolation and financial exploitation.

Guardianship abuse is a growing crisis that demands national attention. The case of Dr. Ena Farley is not an isolated incident—it is part of a broader pattern of systemic failures that allow for elder exploitation. The time for reform is now. We must act to protect our elderly from becoming victims of a legal system that, without safeguards, can be manipulated to serve the interests of the powerful over the vulnerable.

For those interested in supporting the cause, sharing Dr. Farley’s story, or advocating for the passage of Karilyn’s Law, now is the time to take action to ensure that no more lives are lost to the corruption and negligence of unchecked guardianship authority. 

Full Article & Source:
The Dark Reality of Guardianship Abuse: The Tragic Case of Dr. Ena Farley