Four charged in financial exploitation of elderly Waco widow of ex-Big Red president Donal S. Sharp

Four charged in financial exploitation of elderly Waco widow of ex-Big Red president Donal S. Sharp

By Joe Villasana and KWTX Staff

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Four individuals are charged in the financial exploitation and negligent care of 79-year-old Johnnie Sharp, the widow of former Big Red President Donal Smith Sharp, court documents obtained by KWTX state.

John Jay Justice, 54; and Cassandra Draper, 36, are charged with exploitation of an elderly individual, according to online jail records and court documents.

Chad Justice, 51; and Mary Justice, 79, are both charged with injury to an elderly individual, according to the same records.

The Waco Police Department investigation began in October 2023 and revealed John Justice mentally manipulated the elderly woman, convincing her to give him numerous amounts of money at various times over a 10-year period, department spokeswoman Cierra Shipley said.

Draper also assisted in taking large amounts of money, Shipley further said.

Mary and Chad Justice, who claimed to be the elderly woman’s caregivers, are accused of not providing adequate care, resulting in the woman’s health deteriorating, Shipley added.

The victim’s son, Brad Sharp, also confirmed to KWTX that Chad Justice was his mother’s legal guardian at one point. That changed about a year go, but Chad Justice still retained power of attorney over the victim, Brad Sharp added.

The victim is now safe and receiving around-the-clock care, Waco police said.

“I would like to thank all of the law enforcement agencies and the people involved that most recently investigated this case,” Brad Sharp told KWTX, “My family looks forward to justice finally being served.”

Donal Smith Sharp was the president and CEO of Big Red Inc.

The former executive, who passed away in 2014, “was instrumental in elevating the regional soft drink to the national level,” according an obituary in the Waco Tribune Herald.

John Justice and Draper are being held on $100,000 bonds at the McLennan County Jail.

Chad and Mary Justice are being held on $150,000 bonds.

Because the four suspects had not been previously arrested in this case, they were indicted under seal by a McLennan County grand jury last week.

Those indictments were unsealed on Wednesday after the suspects were booked into the McLennan County Jail.

KWTX has learned a fifth suspect who lives out of state is expected to be charged in the investigation. 

Full Article & Source:
Four charged in financial exploitation of elderly Waco widow of ex-Big Red president Donal S. Sharp 

Calistoga city councilmember accused in lawsuit of financial elder abuse

by: Bay City News 

(BCN) — A Calistoga city councilmember is being sued for allegedly “cajoling” an 84-year-old woman in cognitive decline to take on a loan that he and his business benefited from financially, according to a lawsuit filed in Napa County Superior Court.

The April lawsuit alleges that Councilmember Scott Cooper, who is also a real estate broker with his company Cal Green Lending, “preyed upon” the woman, Cheryl West, by persuading her to take on a reverse mortgage in 2020 while she was in cognitive decline.

Marla Faust, the plaintiff and daughter-in-law of West, alleges that Cooper knew that West lacked the capacity and understanding to enter into the reverse mortgage. The lawsuit looks to cancel West’s loan and calls for $125,000 or more in damages.

The civil accusations against Cooper are financial elder abuse, constructive fraud and unfair business practices.

Cooper called the claims “unsupported by any factual basis” in a June response to the lawsuit.
Faust says in the lawsuit that she told Cooper during his first visit with West that her mother-in-law did not need or want a reverse mortgage on her home.

Still, Cooper “persisted” in trying to make the sale, the lawsuit said.

Cooper said in his June response that West was mentally competent and tried to get the loan on her own.

Cooper declined to comment on the lawsuit but said, “it’s never fun to show up in the paper like that.”

Cooper first took office in 2023 after being elected by voters in 2022. His term ends at the end of 2026. 

Full Article & Source:
Calistoga city councilmember accused in lawsuit of financial elder abuse

When Guardianship Leaves the Wallet Closed: Montana Supreme Court Confirms the Primacy of a Durable Power of Attorney in Selecting a Conservator – Commentary on Conservatorship of S.H.C. (2025 MT 151N)

Commentary on Conservatorship of S.H.C., 2025 MT 151N (Sup. Ct. Mont. July 8, 2025)

1. Introduction

This memorandum decision from the Montana Supreme Court settles a narrowly focused yet practically significant dispute within the larger guardianship/conservatorship landscape: Does a durable power of attorney (DPOA) signed by an incapacitated adult on the same day a guardianship order issues remain valid for future conservatorship purposes?

The appellant, David Stanhope, originally obtained temporary guardianship and conservatorship over his father, S.H.C. After an evidentiary pivot, permanent co-guardians (Sharon “Sherry” and Randy Stanhope) were appointed without conservatorship powers, and the court explicitly left financial authority to either S.H.C. himself or a fiduciary of his choosing. That same day (December 5 2022) S.H.C.—with counsel—executed a DPOA naming his granddaughter, BreAnna Simpson, as attorney-in-fact and preferred future conservator. Two years later, Simpson invoked that nomination when Fidelity Investments refused to recognize her mere DPOA and demanded formal conservatorship papers.

David contested Simpson’s appointment, contending (i) the 2022 DPOA was invalid because S.H.C. was already deemed incapacitated and subject to guardianship; and (ii) the prior guardianship order already conferred financial control on the co-guardians, rendering a separate conservatorship duplicative. The District Court rejected both arguments and installed Simpson as conservator, subject to heightened accountings. The Supreme Court affirms.

2. Summary of the Judgment

• Affirmed. The District Court did not abuse its discretion in appointing BreAnna Simpson as conservator.
• DPOA validity upheld. Because the 2022 decree expressly preserved S.H.C.’s right to manage (or delegate) his finances, the subsequent DPOA was neither inconsistent with the guardianship nor facially invalid.
• Statutory priority enforced. Section 72-5-410(1)(b), MCA, gives nomination priority to “an individual fourteen years of age or older designated by the protected person,” and nothing in the record rebutted S.H.C.’s mental capacity to make that nomination in 2022.
• Scope of guardians versus conservators clarified. Section 72-5-321(2)(d)(ii) (guardian may receive funds for welfare support) does not convert a guardian into a conservator or supersede §72-5-427 powers; the 2022 decree intentionally withheld conservatorship authority.

3. Detailed Analysis

3.1 Precedents & Authorities Cited

• In re Guardianship & Conservatorship of A.M.M., 2015 MT 250, 380 Mont. 451 (citing Redies v. Cosner, 2002 MT 86)
  – Reiterates the “broad discretionary powers” vested in trial courts when selecting guardians/conservators.
  – Used by the Supreme Court to frame its deferential abuse-of-discretion review.
• Statutory Framework
  
  • § 72-5-321, MCA – Powers/duties of guardians.
  • § 72-5-404, MCA – Notice requirements for conservatorships (court cites mismatch to § 72-5-314 to show harmless error).
  • § 72-5-410, MCA – Priority order for conservator appointment.
  • § 72-5-427, MCA – Powers of a conservator (contrasted with § 72-5-321(2)(d)(ii)).
• Internal Operating Rules §I(3)(c)
  – Governs memorandum opinions; denotes the decision as non-citable precedent.

3.2 Court’s Legal Reasoning

1. Standard of Review: Choice of conservator is reviewed for abuse of discretion; mixed questions of law/fact (statutory interpretation) are reviewed de novo.
2. Scope of the 2022 Decree: The earlier decree:
   • Appointed co-guardians strictly for personal/medical matters.
   • Revoked David’s temporary conservatorship.
   • Explicitly preserved S.H.C.’s autonomy over financial affairs or his right to delegate via DPOA.
   Hence, when S.H.C. executed the DPOA that same day, he acted within the decree’s boundaries.
3. Capacity to Nominate: Under § 72-5-410(1)(b) the nominating capacity is a threshold inquiry (“sufficient mental capacity”); the District Court accepted uncontroverted testimony from counsel and physician reports that S.H.C. possessed adequate capacity in 2022.
4. Guardianship ≠ Conservatorship:
   • A guardian’s incidental power to “receive money” (§ 72-5-321(2)(d)(ii)) is limited to care and maintenance.
   • Full asset management, investment, and fiduciary duties reside with a conservator (§ 72-5-427).
   • Therefore, the absence of a conservator created a real legal vacuum, justifying Simpson’s petition.
5. Family Conflict Management: Given pronounced sibling mistrust, the District Court imposed extra-statutory monthly account disclosures. The Supreme Court characterized this as a permissible tailoring within the court’s broad equitable powers.

3.3 Anticipated Impact

Although designated “non-citable,” the opinion carries persuasive value in Montana and may influence:

• Trial strategy – Counsel will likely draft guardianship decrees with razor-sharp language about whether the ward retains financial autonomy, anticipating future conservatorship disputes.
• Financial institutions – The scenario illustrates that many brokerage firms demand court-issued conservatorship papers notwithstanding a DPOA; practitioners may seek “springing conservator” language or immediate conservatorship to avoid account freezes.
• Legislative clarification – The statutory overlap between § 72-5-321 and § 72-5-427 might prompt the Legislature to delineate when a guardian’s power ends and a conservator’s begins.
• Familial nominee priority – The case implicitly warns that courts will honor the ward’s nominee even over children/siblings absent clear unfitness.

4. Complex Concepts Simplified

• Guardian vs. Conservator
  – Guardian: Manages personal decisions—health care, housing, daily living.
  – Conservator: Manages financial and property matters—investments, bill-pay, asset protection.
• Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)
  – A written authorization for another (agent) to handle financial/legal matters, remaining effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
• Statutory Priority (§ 72-5-410)
  – A ranked list of who gets first dibs at being conservator; the ward’s own nominee usually outranks family unless the court finds incapacity or unfitness.
• Memorandum Opinion / Non-citable Case
  – Under the Supreme Court’s internal rules, certain decisions are issued without full precedential force; they resolve the dispute but cannot be quoted as binding authority in future cases.

5. Conclusion

The Montana Supreme Court’s decision in Conservatorship of S.H.C. distinguishes the powers of a guardian from those of a conservator while confirming that a durable power of attorney executed in accordance with a guardian-only decree remains valid and controlling for later conservatorship selection. The ruling reaffirms:

1. The ward’s autonomy—when expressly preserved by court order—includes the right to nominate a future conservator via DPOA.
2. Guardianship powers over “money for support” do not morph a guardian into a de facto conservator.
3. Trial courts maintain broad latitude to craft oversight mechanisms (e.g., monthly statements) that balance family friction with the ward’s best interests.

While non-precedential, the opinion provides a roadmap for practitioners navigating the delicate intersection of guardianship decrees, durable powers of attorney, and the eventual need for formal conservatorship. Drafting clarity and early strategic decisions about financial authority can spare families costly litigation and protect the dignity—and expressed wishes—of vulnerable adults.

Case Details

Conservatorship of S.H.C.

Year: 2025

Court: Supreme Court of Montana 

Full Article & Source:
When Guardianship Leaves the Wallet Closed: Montana Supreme Court Confirms the Primacy of a Durable Power of Attorney in Selecting a Conservator – Commentary on Conservatorship of S.H.C. (2025 MT 151N) 

Governor Signs New Digital Forgery Law, Protecting Pennsylvanians from AI Scams and Financial Exploitation

Governor Josh Shapiro signed SB 649 into law, creating new criminal penalties for anyone who uses artificial intelligence (AI) to produce non-consensual “forged digital likenesses” — like deepfakes or voice clones — to defraud or harm Pennsylvanians, protecting Pennsylvanians from AI scams and financial exploitation. Under the new law, prosecutors can now charge bad actors with a third-degree felony if they use AI-generated fake content to commit fraud or cause injury — including schemes like faking a grandchild’s voice to trick older adults into sending money.

“In Pennsylvania, we are leading on AI — and taking advantage of the economic and technological benefits that come with it — but we’re also taking a thoughtful, proactive approach to protecting Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro. “By signing this bill into law, we’re sending a clear message that if you use AI to defraud or exploit Pennsylvanians, you will be held accountable. My Administration is committed to cracking down on scammers, reducing fraud, protecting consumers, and making sure Pennsylvanians of all ages can feel safe and confident in the digital age.”

“I’m proud to see the Governor signing my bipartisan legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from deepfake impersonations and scams that have already cost victims millions,” said Senator Tracy Pennycuick. “ Now law enforcement will have the tools they need to hold bad actors responsible, creating a powerful deterrent that will make criminals think twice before attempting these digital deceptions.”

“Today is an important day in our Commonwealth. With the Governor’s signature, we’re highlighting the need for responsible regulation on a technology that is poised to be more accessible in our daily lives in the near future,” said Senator John Kane. “Progress is good, but protecting Pennsylvanians from the unintended consequences of this tech is one of my top priorities.”

Older adults continue to remain especially vulnerable: the Department of Aging received nearly 18,500 reports of financial exploitation in FY 2023-24 — nearly one-third of all abuse reports — and the number of financial exploitation cases has nearly doubled since 2017. With Pennsylvania home to the fifth-largest older adult population in the nation, these scams put thousands at risk every year.

“Older adults being the target of scams has continued to rise each year. Last year financial exploitation became the most reported form of abuse for older Pennsylvanians. Increasingly sophisticated technology gives the victim a false sense of familiarity, with devastating results,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “The signing of SB 649 into law creates consequences for those who would use AI to rob older adults of their retirements. We applaud this action and look forward to continuing our work with the House and Senate for a comprehensive update to the Older Adult Protective Services Act to strengthen protections for older adults even more.”

Protecting Consumers Through Education and Enforcement

The Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) is leading education efforts to help Pennsylvanians recognize and avoid AI-driven scams and identity theft. In 2024, DoBS reached nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanians through free events and programs, answered over 10,000 consumer inquiries, and helped return millions to harmed consumers.

“Financial crimes involving artificial intelligence are on the rise, and it’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake,” said DoBS Secretary Wendy Spicher. “It’s critical that consumers stay alert and informed, and know that help is just a call or click away if they have questions or concerns.”

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is ensuring AI is used responsibly in the insurance industry. Last year, PID issued guidance reminding insurers that decisions supported by AI must comply with existing laws and protect consumers against unfair discrimination or inaccuracies.

“Advancing technology offers real benefits, but scammers can exploit it to target Pennsylvanians,” said PID Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “This law helps hold those bad actors accountable — and we remind everyone to verify calls or offers that sound too good to be true.” 

Full Article & Source:
Governor Signs New Digital Forgery Law, Protecting Pennsylvanians from AI Scams and Financial Exploitation 

Caregiver charged for stealing jewelry, money from 90-year-old, Shorewood police say

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

SHOREWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- A caregiver is accused of stealing jewelry and money from a 90-year-old living at a assisted living facility.

On Monday, police arrived to Timbers of Shorewood at 100 North River Road.

A caller told police that Maryln C. Villalobos, 54 of Orland Park, had potentially stolen items from an elderly resident and had locked herself in the bathroom.

Police arrived before 2 p.m. and found Villalobos trying to flush jewelry down the toilet.

A 90-year-old resident said the jewelry was theirs.

She was arrested and taken to the police department for booking.

While at the station, police said the woman asked to go to the bathroom multiple times. She was allegedly trying to flush cash down the toilet.

She was charged with financial exploitation of the elderly, residential burglary, burglary, theft, and obstructing a peace officer. 

Full Article & Source:
Caregiver charged for stealing jewelry, money from 90-year-old, Shorewood police say 

2 people facing rape charges involving incapacitated person in Sebastian County, sheriff says

Story by Nayely Palafox

Two people were arrested in May 2025 for allegedly raping an incapacitated person, according to an investigation by the Sebastian County Sheriff's Department (SCSD).

In an affidavit filed, investigators accuse Ricky Hamby of Hackett and Janette Honeycutt of Fort Smith of raping someone who was "incapable of consent" because they were "physically helpless or mentally incapacitated." 

Officials state that around Sept. 11, 2024, the victim met with the suspects to do an "odd job" as they usually did, according to officials. The affidavit states the alleged victim would often do odd jobs for Hamby and Honeycutt, such as picking up items in their yard. It states that this time the victim was going to move some furniture to earn cash to buy a birthday present.

At around 2 p.m. that day, the affidavit said that when the victim arrived to the home, there was no furniture to move. Instead, the suspects offered the victim apple pie moonshine. They allegedly invited the suspect to stay and "chill," and drank alcohol until around 5 p.m.

The victim needed to go to their home and feed pets, according to the affidavit. Officials said when the victim returned home, their family members noticed they had drank alcohol because they were "staggering" as they got out of their vehicle. 

The affidavit states that the victim went back to the suspects' home and began to "feel the effects of the alcohol," then "felt weird and lost consciousness." The affidavit redacted portions describing what occurred before the victim regained consciousness and did not include specific details.

According to investigators, the victim "could not speak and could not move," woke up in a different room, and lost consciousness a few times while the crime took place.

The victim then reportedly woke up at around 5 a.m. the next day and vomited in the bathroom. Soon after, the suspects drove the victim home mid-morning and allegedly said, "If you ever want to come back down here and drink, we will take advantage of you again," Hamby said. "We took advantage of you when you got messed up drinking and we had fun." 

On Sept. 13, the victim went to the Baptist Emergency Room, where they were referred to the Women's Crisis Center. 

Authorities then contacted Hamby and Honeycutt regarding the rape allegations and interviewed them. Officials also obtained a search warrant to search their phones. Officials state they found videos of the victim speaking incoherently and the suspects mocking the victim's mental state. 

Additionally, the affidavit states that the Arkansas State Crime Lab confirmed Hamby's DNA was involved in the crime. Due to the document being heavily redacted, it's unclear how investigators were able to use DNA evidence in the investigation. 

A jury trial has been scheduled for September 22, 2025. 

Full Article & Source:
2 people facing rape charges involving incapacitated person in Sebastian County, sheriff says 

A CT nursing home is closing. Scores of employees were told they will soon lose their jobs.

By Kenneth R. Gosselin

A Trumbull nursing home will layoff nearly 180 employees, according to a filing with the state, a decision that follows plans to close the facility in early August.

St. Joseph’s Center, a nursing home with 269 licensed beds, told the state labor department in a recent letter that the layoffs of 179 employees — including 76 certified nursing aides and 53 licensed practical nurses — are effective Aug. 9, the date of the closure.

The status and the number of residents remaining at the nursing home could not be immediately be determined.

Pennsylvania-based Genesis HealthCare, the parent of St. Joseph’s, did not address the layoffs or a recent consent order involving the nursing home when asked for comment Monday.

“I am confirming that we received your inquiry earlier this morning,” Neddie Brennan, a Genesis spokesperson, said, in an email. “I’ll follow up with you if we have a comment or response to share.”

In March, St. Joseph’s signed a consent order with the state health department after the state issued notice of violations following an inspection a month earlier.

According to the consent order, the violations included the facility having just two working elevators. State regulations require three “hospital-type” elevators for nursing homes with 201 to 350 beds located above the main floor. Other building systems problems were noted in the inspection, including not being able to regulate steam heat within the building.

In addition, water samples collected at the nursing home contained Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires disease. Legionnaires disease is a type of serious pneumonia that can cause respiratory failure, septic shock and acute kidney failure, the consent order stated.

The order also noted that of about 254 sinks in the building, only five were operating due to a lack of filters for Legionella.

“There was only one operational sink in the kitchen, and one operational sink for each resident floor, and there were no operational showers in the facility…” the consent order stated.

The state’s order outlines specific timelines for correcting the deficiencies found in the inspection. 

Full Article & Source:
A CT nursing home is closing. Scores of employees were told they will soon lose their jobs. 

Grand Larceny Investigation Leads to Arrest in Chemung County

Press Release

On February 25, 2025, the New York State Police at SP Horseheads were contacted regarding a report of a case of elder financial abuse involving the theft of nearly $92,000 from the victim's bank accounts.

Following a thorough investigation, it was determined the suspect, Steven R. Padgett, age 57, of North Carolina, unlawfully accessed the bank accounts of his elderly parents, making fraudulent purchases and unauthorized ATM withdrawals totaling $91,995.37. The victims were identified as vulnerable elderly individuals.

On June 6, 2025, Padgett was arrested for Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony). Padgett was taken into custody without incident and processed at SP Horseheads.

He was arraigned in the Village of Horseheads Court, where a full Stay Away Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Padgett was released on his recognizance (ROR) and is scheduled to reappear in court on August 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 

Source:
Grand Larceny Investigation Leads to Arrest in Chemung County 

Salt Lake County officials want your help to combat rising elder abuse

By: Katie McKellar

Faced with rising numbers of elder abuse and exploitation cases while also expecting that many more are going unreported, Salt Lake County officials want to raise awareness of the issue and encourage Utahns to look out for their aging neighbors and loved ones. 

“The way we treat the elderly in our community says something about the values that we espouse. The world we live in today was built by those who are now some of the most vulnerable in our society, we owe it to them to offer respect, care, and justice when they have been made victims of abuse, exploitation, or neglect,” Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said in a recent news release. 

This week, on Wednesday, Salt Lake County senior centers will host Elder Abuse Awareness events for Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June. The county’s Aging and Adult Services website offers information on where to find its senior centers. 

“Prosecution is only part of the solution,” Gill added. “We need families, neighbors, and care providers to help prevent abuse before it starts. Our seniors deserve to live with dignity and safety, not fear and isolation.”

Elder abuse affects 1 in 10 older adults, but often goes unreported, according to Gill’s office. The National Council on Aging points to one study, which estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. 

Salt Lake County records also indicate cases of elder abuse or neglect have ticked up in recent years. In 2023, county prosecutors filed 23 charges alleging intentional abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult in 2023. That’s compared to 37 in 2024, according to the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office. 

From 2023 to 2025, Gill’s office has filed 25 charges for second-degree felony aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult, plus 12 second-degree felony financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult charges. There were also 60 charges of class A misdemeanor intentional abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult filed in the same time period. 

County officials also urged Utahns to recognize signs of possible abuse, neglect or exploitation. Red flags include:

• Unexplained bruises or welts
• Multiple bruises in various states of healing
• Unexplained fractures and abrasions
• If a person becomes withdrawn, passive or fearful
• Reports or suspicions of sexual abuse
• Dehydration
• Missing glasses, dentures or other aides if usually worn
• Malnourishment
• Inappropriate or soiled clothing
• Over or under medicated
• Deserted, abandoned, left unattended or socially isolated 
• Missing possessions
• Forced to sell their house, change their will, or sign over control of finances
• Overcharged for home repairs
• Inadequate living environment
• Unable to afford food, clothing, or social activities

“Ending elder abuse starts with awareness — and with connection. By reaching out, listening, and standing together, we can protect our older adults and ensure no one faces aging alone or in silence,” said Afton January, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services Communications manager.

Visiting a local senior center is also a “powerful way to stay connected and engaged,” county officials said. “These centers provide social support, nutrition, activities, and wellness resources that help protect against isolation and neglect. You can also be sure you are checking on them regularly, not just over an audio phone call, but through physical visits or video phone calls so you can see them and perhaps notice any signs of abuse or neglect.”

Gill’s office also reminded that Utah is a “mandatory reporter state.” That means if any person who has reason to believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, they must immediately notify Adult Protective Services or the nearest law enforcement office. 

For emergencies, call 911. You can also report suspected abuse directly to Utah’s vulnerable adult abuse hotline, which is 800-371-7897, or on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ website. 

Full Article & Source:
Salt Lake County officials want your help to combat rising elder abuse 

Shelby County Caregiver Indicted, Charged with Stealing from Vulnerable Adults

SHELBY COUNTY – A Memphis caregiver has been indicted and arrested, following an investigation by special agents with the TBI Medicaid Fraud Control Division.

In July 2024, following a referral from Adult Protective Services, agents began investigating allegations of financial exploitation of vulnerable adults who were residing at a Shelby County care facility. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that from November of 2022 to July of 2024, Tareka Lashun Smith (DOB 9/3/1980), a supervisor and caregiver, used the bank cards of 21 victims making unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals worth more than $42,000.

On June 26th, a Shelby County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Smith with Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult. On July 1^st, Smith was booked into the Shelby County Jail on a $150,000 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.

NOTE: The TBI’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $10,782,912 for federal Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $3,594,302 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, is funded by the State of Tennessee. 

Full Article & Source:
Shelby County Caregiver Indicted, Charged with Stealing from Vulnerable Adults 

1 arrested after elderly man beaten to death in Marshall County

A man allegedly killed his girlfriend’s father in Marshall County. 

Source:
1 arrested after elderly man beaten to death in Marshall County 

Caregiver Sentenced to Prison for Theft from Elderly Woman in Sierra County

On June 26, 2025, Jason Castle, 48, of Sierra County, was sentenced for felony theft from an elder by a caregiver and a misdemeanor conviction of identity theft. The case involved the unlawful taking of funds from an elderly Sierra City woman under his care, between January 2023 and October 25, 2023.

 

Castle was sentenced to the mid-term of three years in state prison, to be served as two years in custody and one year on mandatory supervision under California’s realignment statutes. He was remanded into custody immediately following sentencing.

 

As part of the sentence, Castle was ordered to pay $4,340.98 in restitution to the victim’s family. The Sierra County District Attorney’s Office emphasized the serious breach of trust in this case, as Castle was acting in a caregiver role at the time of the offenses.

 

This conviction serves as a reminder that Sierra County law enforcement and prosecutors will aggressively pursue those who exploit vulnerable members of our community.

 

For further information, please contact:

Sierra County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: (530) 289-3269

 

Full Article & Source:
Caregiver Sentenced to Prison for Theft from Elderly Woman in Sierra County 

Caregiver charged with stealing over $40K from vulnerable adults

Story by Deja Davis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman was arrested and indicted after she stole money from over a dozen vulnerable adults at a Shelby County care facility, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division.

Tareka Smith, 44, is charged with financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

In July 2024, TBI said it started investigating a referral from the Adult Protective Services about allegations of financial exploitation of vulnerable adults residing at a Shelby County care facility.

During the investigation, Tareka Lashun Smith, a supervisor and caregiver, was accused of using the bank cards of 21 victims and making unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals worth more than $42,000.

TBI agents say they developed information that Smith had been taking the money from November 2022 until July 2024.

On June 26, a Shelby County Grand Jury returned an indictment, charging Smith. She was booked into jail the following week.

Tareka Smith is currently held in jail on a $150,000 bond. 

Full Article & Source:
Caregiver charged with stealing over $40K from vulnerable adults 

Two men indicted for $86,000 fraud scheme in Prince George’s Co.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced indictments Thursday of two men charged with defrauding a 59-year-old county resident out of $86,000.

Jackson and county police said Zheng Hui Xie, 30, of Flushing, New York, and Jianwei Wang, 27, of Monterey Park, California, impersonated Federal Trade Commission officials in order to convince the resident, who was not named, that there had been fraudulent activity on her Apple ID and that several accounts were compromised.

The resident received a text message on April 28 about a large purchase made on her account, and called a number provided. The person who answered claimed to be with a fraud department, and transferred the woman to an individual who claimed to be an FTC agent.

On two separate occasions, the resident was asked to withdraw money from her bank in order to secure her money. She handed the money over to the fake agents who came to her home.

When the resident received another phone call May 15 from an unknown number, and was told to withdraw $24,000, she contacted police. On May 23, investigators with the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit arrested Xie and Wang.

Both men are charged with two counts of theft, one count of theft scheme and one count of conspiracy to commit theft. Police said the men could face additional charges, along with others who may have helped them defraud other residents in financial schemes that may have netted a combined $700,000.

Although senior citizens are mostly preyed upon in similar schemes, Jackson said scammers also target those who are “very responsible.”

“If somebody texts you and says, ‘If you don’t pay this money immediately, then your license is going to be suspended,’ most of us that are responsible don’t want our license suspended,” she said. “Our message to our residents and others is to make sure that you just don’t respond.”

If others believe they may be been defrauded, they are asked to call police at 301-352-1200.

Last month, AARP Maryland kicked off a campaign to stop financial exploitation on older Americans.

Federal Trade Commission data showed that there were 44,195 fraud reports from Maryland residents in 2024, for a total loss of nearly $202 million, up from the 44,168 fraud reports and $168 million in the state in 2023.

Full Article & Source:
Two men indicted for $86,000 fraud scheme in Prince George’s Co. 

Rochester Man Sentenced for Stealing Thousands of Dollars From Vulnerable Adult

By TJ Leverentz 

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man has been sentenced for bullying a vulnerable adult into giving him thousands of dollars. 

21-year-old Bill Gum Benjamin was charged last fall with three felony counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. 

Under a plea agreement that was finalized in May, the criminal complaint was amended and he admitted to a felony theft charge.

Rochester Man Avoids Prison for Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Vulnerable Adult

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case after receiving a report of a theft. A woman told investigators that Benjamin had been forcing her son, who the criminal complaint says is autistic, to give him money.

The victim's mother became involved after his phone was shut off for nonpayment and she examined her son's bank statements. She told investigators that she discovered his balance had dropped for more than $40,000 to nothing over the previous year, the charges say.

 

Benjamin complaint. Olmsted County Court

The complaint says the investigator spoke to the victim, who indicated he met Benjamin while working at a business in Southeast Rochester in 2023, and at some point, complied with the request from Benjamin for some money. 

The victim also stated that after a few more money requests, Benjamin began forcing the victim into his car and would physically push him around.

Benjamin would call the victim's bank to verify his account balance before driving the man to a bank branch in Southwest Rochester and forcing him to withdraw money, the charges say. 

The victim told law enforcement Benjamin would wait outside his workplace and follow him in his car almost every week on the day he was paid.

Benjamin complaint. Olmsted County Court

Benjamin was accused of taking more than $7700 from the victim in September 2023 and an additional $22,900 between October 2023 and the end of March last year.

It was also alleged that an additional $10,900 was taken by Benjamin between April and the end of September last year.

Benjamin was sentenced Monday to five years probation. He was also fined $500. 

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Rochester Man Sentenced for Stealing Thousands of Dollars From Vulnerable Adult