Wendy Williams' Lawyers Intend To Sue Those Responsible For "Very Scary" Guardianship

Story by Mya Abraham

Wendy Williams is preparing to go to court, but this time, her attorney, Joe Tacopina, is planning on suing those responsible for her “very scary” guardianship.

In a conversation with TMZ, Williams and Tacopina were stopped leaving Fresco by Scotto in New York City Tuesday (July 22) following a birthday celebration for the radio-TV icon.

When asked about “what’s next” for Williams’ ongoing legal battle, Tacopina declared, “It’s hopefully justice.” He clarified that though he’s not a “guardianship attorney,” he opened up about the “despicably slow” process.

In regard to a potential lawsuit, Tacopina said, “Those responsible for her status, basically her incarceration, will be held accountable. There’s no question about that. My goal right now and the priority is to get her back home- whatever home is, where she can come and goes as she pleases.”

Last month, Williams’ ex-husband filed a lawsuit against her guardian and guardianship for $250 million and claims it was on her behalf.

Despite her being in a facility, Tacopina added, “Wendy's Wendy! We've had conversations over the course of six months, she's the same Wendy Williams we know from TV […] She’s a great human being in control of her faculties and it sickens me. It’s not even about a case, but a cause.”

Williams, who’d just turned 61, chimed in by noting, “I just had a birthday and I’m still in a guardianship, if that doesn’t say enough I don’t know what does.”

Tacopina has been reached out to by others in similar situations, but admitted, “Right now, my focus is on Wendy. I have to get her through this […] Once you’re in the vortex of the guardianship proceeding, it’s hard to get out even if you’re like Wendy.”

Williams has been in a court-ordered guardianship since 2022 over alleged concerns about her being unable to manage her health, finances, etc. Since then, all decisions are rendered from her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey. 

Full Article & Source:
Wendy Williams' Lawyers Intend To Sue Those Responsible For "Very Scary" Guardianship 

See Also:
Wendy Williams Wants to Be 'Freed from Guardianship' as Her 61st Birthday Gift

What is Wendy’s Law?

 

 

Murfreesboro Woman Scammed Out of $55K by Fake Federal Agents; Arrest Made

by WGNS News

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A 77-year-old Murfreesboro woman was scammed out of $55,000 by con artists posing as federal agents—and nearly lost an additional $38,000—before local detectives intervened and arrested the suspect who showed up at her home to collect the money.

The Murfreesboro Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division said scammers claimed to be from the DEA, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Department of the Treasury. They told the woman she was under investigation for a seized illegal package from Amazon and had an outstanding warrant. Detectives say the scammers kept her on the phone as she withdrew large sums of cash from several banks, which she later handed over to a stranger outside her home.

The following day, scammers instructed her to withdraw another $38,000 to be picked up at her residence. This time, fraud detectives were monitoring the situation and arrested 28-year-old Gurjinder Singh of Atlanta when he arrived at the woman’s home in an Uber to retrieve the second payment.

Singh told investigators he had been hired to pick up the money for a small fee and denied knowledge of the scam. He was charged with theft over $60,000 and financial exploitation of a vulnerable person. The Uber driver was not involved and was cleared by police.

“Law enforcement and government agencies will never call and demand money or threaten arrest,” said Sergeant Tommy Massey. “If you receive this type of call, simply hang up and contact police.”

Authorities confirmed Singh is in the U.S. illegally. He is being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him.

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed. 

Full Article & Source:
Murfreesboro Woman Scammed Out of $55K by Fake Federal Agents; Arrest Made 

Senior Scams Are More Sophisticated Than Ever. How to Protect People You Care About.

By Steve Garmhausen 

Financial exploitation of the elderly is nothing new: From the theft of Social Security checks to mail fraud schemes to romance scams, reprobates have long used their victims’ social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline to separate them from their money. Digital technology is making seniors more vulnerable than ever, says Adam Frank, head of wealth planning and advice at J.P. Morgan

JPM+0.70%  Wealth Management, who with his team recently wrote a white paper on senior exploitation.

 Using fake caller IDs and delivering increasingly legitimate-looking emails, scammers are harnessing modern technology for nefarious ends, says Frank, and the rise of artificial intelligence is likely to make it all worse. “The rise of AI is, for me, the most frightening aspect of all of this,” he says. 

Full Article & Source:
Senior Scams Are More Sophisticated Than Ever. How to Protect People You Care About.

What is Wendy’s Law?

By Lisa Glasberg 

(New York, NY)  —  New York City Councilman Frank Morano of Staten Island is introducing “Wendy’s Law,” a bill to help protect those in abusive conservatorships. He says its a “comprehensive guardianship reform proposal to prevent abuse, to protect vulnerable individuals and to increase accountability in the guardianship system.”  He says the bill is named after Wendy Williams to “highlight that if this can happen to a celebrity, imagine the risks for ordinary New Yorkers.”  Morano says there are thousands of people who are stuck in guardianships, that no one’s heard of, because they’re not famous.

Wendy Williams recently celebrated he 61st birthday and is batting to terminate her ongoing guardianship, that has controlled her personal and financial affairs since 2022. She was placed under a guardianship after concerns about her mental and physical health.  Morano said he spent around 20-minutes with Williams at a New York City luncheon and said she struck him as “very lucid and very sharp.”

Full Article & Source:
What is Wendy’s Law? 

Three arrested in $1.5 million elder fraud scam with victims in North Texas and beyond, police say

A scam that allegedly defrauded more than 75 older Texans out of $1.5 million has led to the arrest of three men, McKinney police said.

Prakash Krishnaraj, 58, is charged with making a false statement to obtain property. Christian Bolding, 31, and Eric Ell, 23, face charges of financial abuse of the elderly and making a false statement to obtain property or credit. All charges are felonies.

Victims across North Texas cities, statewide

Victims were reported in the North Texas cities of McKinney, Allen, Wylie and Frisco.

"The scope of the fraud involved in this case suggests that the operation may be far more expansive than what has been uncovered so far," McKinney Police Chief Joe Ellenburg said. "This highlights the growing threat of financial exploitation targeting older adults. We are committed to working with partner agencies across Texas to stop these crimes and protect vulnerable populations."

McKinney Police Department

Six-month investigation leads to arrests

The arrests followed a six-month investigation. 

Operating under the names Precision Home Pros and Krishnaraj Construction, the suspects allegedly approached victims in retail stores and other public places, offering to lower their phone, cable and service bills. They installed low-cost streaming and security devices as part of the pitch.

Forged loans tied to devices, police say

Police said the suspects then used electronic signature platforms to forge long-term loan agreements ranging from $13,000 to $32,500. Victims were unknowingly responsible for 20-year loans with interest.

Funds funneled through shell companies

Funds were deposited into accounts controlled by the suspects, affiliated shell companies, or businesses linked to the scheme, while victims were left to repay the loans, police said. 

Full Article & Source:
Three arrested in $1.5 million elder fraud scam with victims in North Texas and beyond, police say 

Koch reappointed to Probate Code Study Committee

by Aubrey Woods

State District 44 Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, recently was reappointed to the Probate Code Study Committee in preparation for the 2026 legislative session.

The committee studies and considers needed changes to the probate code, trust code and any other statutes affecting the administration of a decedent’s estate, guardianship, probate jurisdiction, trust or fiduciary.

Legislators will meet over the coming months to discuss topics approved by the bipartisan Legislative Council, which is comprised of 16 voting members – eight from the Senate and eight from the House of Representatives.

To view study committee agendas and stream hearings online, visit iga.in.gov. To view a list of topics that will be examined by the committees, click https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/universal/committees/interim/legislative-council/bbae9ac5-4a38-45f1-8041-052ff6f954a3/exhibits/attachment_6032.pdf

Koch is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, ranking member of the Senate committees on Commerce and Technology and Judiciary, and a member of the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. District 44 includes Jackson, Brown, Lawrence and Orange counties, and portions of Monroe County. 

Full Article & Source:
Koch reappointed to Probate Code Study Committee 

Three accused of fraud targeting dozens of older adults across North Texas

Over 75 potential victims have been identified statewide, and the estimated financial impact is $1.5 million. 

By Alexis Garcia

McKinney police have arrested three people in connection with a large-scale financial exploitation scheme targeting older adult victims across the state of Texas, including in McKinney, Allen, Wylie, Frisco, and Lago Vista.

An investigation revealed that the suspects approached older adult victims at retail stores and public locations, offering to reduce their cable, phone, and security service bills.

Victims were misled into switching to existing service providers in exchange for installing low-cost streaming and security devices. The men then used electronic signature platforms to fraudulently transfer the victims’ signatures onto long-term loan agreements without their knowledge or consent.

These false documents were submitted to various financial institutions, resulting in loan disbursements ranging from $13,000 to $32,500. Funds were deposited into accounts controlled by the suspects, affiliated shell companies, or businesses linked to the scheme, while the victims were left responsible for repaying 20-year loans with interest.

Throughout a six-month investigation, more than 75 potential victims have been identified statewide, including eight in McKinney. The total estimated financial impact of the scheme is approximately $1.5 million so far.

Police identified the suspects as 31-year-old Christian Bolding, 23-year-old Eric Ell, and 58-year-old Prakash Krishnaraj. Investigators said the trio also operated under the business names Precision Home Pros and Krishnaraj Construction.

All three suspects were charged with false statements to obtain property or credit. Bolding and Ell have also been charged with financial abuse of the elderly. 

Full Article & Source:
Three accused of fraud targeting dozens of older adults across North Texas 

Pennsylvania steps up its fight against financial scams with new protections | Opinion

William Bortz, left, stands alongside his daughter, Ave Williams, at his senior living center, Friday, May 17, 2024, in San Diego. Bortz said criminals stole his family's nest egg of almost $700,000 in an elaborate scheme. Sophisticated overseas criminals are stealing tens of billions of dollars from Americans every year, a crime wave that's projected to get worse as the U.S. population ages and technology like AI makes it easier than ever to perpetrate fraud and get away with it. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)AP

By Michael Humphreys and Wendy Spicher

Pennsylvanians deserve a government that listens, responds, and protects them — especially at a time when financial decisions are more complex and impactful than ever. Whether you’re frustrated by a denied insurance claim, facing financial exploitation, or dealing with identity theft, you should know this: you have a voice, and the Shapiro Administration is here to listen.

Financial scams and fraud attempts are on the rise across Pennsylvania. These scams often come by email, text, or phone call — usually unsolicited — with scammers posing as loved ones, trusted businesses, or government agencies.

One recent example: a vulnerable Pennsylvanian reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be a Commonwealth official, saying they’d inherited money from a distant relative overseas. But to access the funds, the victim was told to wire a hefty “processing fee” to a foreign bank account — a classic scam.

The Shapiro Administration is working hard to prevent bad actors from targeting Pennsylvanians and to educate people on how to spot and avoid these schemes.

That’s why Gov. Josh Shapiro has taken a number of steps to make it harder for scammers to harm our communities and easier for Pennsylvanians to keep themselves and their families safe.

Just this week, the governor took an important step toward combatting fraudulent voice scams by signing into law legislation that will create new criminal penalties for anyone who uses artificial intelligence (AI) to produce deepfakes or voice clones to defraud or harm Pennsylvanians, protecting our communities 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 — protecting Pennsylvanians from new and sophisticated scams.

Gov. Shapiro also signed another bipartisan law making Pennsylvania one of 27 states that regulate virtual currency transfers the same way we regulate traditional money transfers. Before this law, companies transmitting Bitcoin or other virtual currency didn’t need a license, leaving consumers unprotected. Now, by closing that gap, we’re keeping fraudulent operators out of the marketplace and strengthening protections for everyone.

In addition to stronger laws, we’ve made it easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to get help. The Pennsylvanian Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) recently teamed up with the Governor to launch a one-stop-shop for consumer protection:

• Call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT
• Visit pa.gov/consumer
• Email consumer@pa.gov

No matter the issue, Pennsylvanians will now be routed to the agency that can best assist them.

And we mean what we say. In 2024, DoBS and PID processed approximately 27,000 inquiries and complaints. These efforts change lives: like helping a Pennsylvanian get a $26,000 insurance payment after his parked truck was damaged or helping consumers recover money after they unknowingly bought unfunded money orders.

Under the governor’s leadership, DoBS and PID returned over $22 million to consumers last year, resolved thousands of complaints, and expanded education efforts across the Commonwealth.

Thanks to the consumer protections that the Shapiro Administration is instituting, we will continue to stand up for Pennsylvanians. Remember, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate these issues by yourself. With these tools, help for consumers is just a call or click away. We’re always here, committed to getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians when they need us most.  

Full Article & Source:
Pennsylvania steps up its fight against financial scams with new protections | Opinion

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: Supporting older adults in the fight against scams

by Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer

AARP created its Fraud Watch Network in 2013 to educate older adults about deceptive tactics and schemes. The network is a nationwide effort, involving all 53 AARP state offices, to raise awareness about the risk that fraud poses to people’s financial security.

It provides fraud prevention resources, information on current scams, a free helpline and virtual emotional support sessions for victims of these crimes. The network’s work is critical especially as fraud is at a crisis level in the U.S., according to Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs at AARP. 

“Fraud is a crime. At the very least, it’s unsettling. You may lose your trust in institutions. You may lose your trust in yourself,” said Stokes. “Quite often, these scams are super complex and sophisticated, and they take weeks, months or even years.” 

One of the motivations behind perpetrators targeting older adults with fraud scams is the belief that they have more assets than younger individuals. 

“The primary reason is because of the presumption that that’s where the money is in this country,” said Stokes. “They figure if they can get a person who’s saved all their lives or who has a pension, Social Security, housing wealth and an estate, they can wipe them out.” 

Other motivations are stereotypes, according to Stokes. These include sweeping assumptions that older adults lack digital literacy, experience cognitive decline or are too nice to or too trusting to detect scam attempts. 

Though studies indicate that younger adults are more likely to report fraud than their older counterparts, the losses from fraud are more significant for older populations. The Federal Trade Commission determined that the median reported loss for people aged 70 to 79 was $800 in 2021. For adults over 80, it was $1,500. 

Stokes also pointed out that the unwarranted shame people feel when they’ve fallen victim to fraud may also prevent them from reporting it all. Reframing the way people characterize fraud crimes has been a large part of AARP’s mission. 

“We’re trying to change the victim-blaming narrative in this country. For way too long, we’ve allowed ourselves to believe that scams only happen to older adults. As long as we’ve been able to do that, we can put them in a corner and say, ‘Well, that’s not my problem,’” said Stokes. “Well, guess what? It’s everybody’s problem because it’s happening to everybody.” 

Stokes highlighted two common schemes of fraud perpetrators. One is a tech support scam, in which perpetrators impersonate tech support representatives to trick people into providing their personal information, paying for unnecessary services or allowing remote access to their computers. 

These fake alerts can pop-up on any device, and, at times, they come with a loud, blaring sound. 

“In the data we see, older adults tend to experience this more. The criminal is looking for an emotional response because that’s what opens the door to make these scams succeed,” said Stokes. “Criminals know that when we’re faced with a situation that puts us into a heightened emotional state, our brains are wired to act and not to stop and think logically.” 

Another common tactic is financial grooming. In this scheme, perpetrators gain their victims’ trust through emotional manipulation and persuade them to make investments they wouldn’t otherwise make. These scams may start as a random text message and later turn into a consistent exchange. 

Stokes said, lately, perpetrators have been posing as successful cryptocurrency investors, falsely promising to connect people with exclusive opportunities and high returns. 

“People end up on a fake crypto exchange, and it looks like they’re making a ton of money,” said Stokes. “When they try to pull it out, they realize it was all a fraud, and none of it ever existed.”

Stokes encouraged people to have more conversations about fraud with their loved ones, especially those who are older adults. She explained that it’s crucial to give concrete examples of schemes that perpetrators are using. 

She also recommended that older adults use a password manager to strengthen their online security and set up a credit freeze to prevent criminals from opening accounts in their names.

“If you are a victim, it is not your fault. It was highly sophisticated and targeted, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of yourself,” said Stokes. “It’s a crime, and you’re going to want to report it to the police in the event that somewhere down the line you might be able to get your money back.” 

Full Article & Source:
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: Supporting older adults in the fight against scams 

Wendy Williams Wants to Be 'Freed from Guardianship' as Her 61st Birthday Gift

 By Julia Moore

Wendy Williams knows exactly what she wants as she begins a new year.

The former talk show host turned 61 on Friday, July 18, and was out and about in New York City earlier in the week to celebrate.

She went to dinner at Delmonico's with two of her attorneys and former Wendy Williams Show producer, Suzanne Bass.

Williams had a clear answer on what she wants for her 61st birthday.

As she walked toward the restaurant, Williams was asked by TMZ what she wanted this year for her birthday. Her answer was immediate: to "get out of guardianship."

Williams has been living under a legal guardianship since May 2022 and currently resides in a wellness facility in New York City, but has been vocal about her desire to get out of the arrangement.

In January, she made a series of public pleas for help during several rare interviews as she insisted she is "not cognitively impaired" and feels trapped in "what some people would call a luxury prison" where she has limited access to the outside world.

She has been feeling more optimistic lately about her chances of ending her guardianship.

In April, fans held a rally in support of her efforts to escape her guardianship, and Williams told PEOPLE it was "nice" to see so much support.

"At this point in my life, I can't trust a lot of people," she said.

The show of support — there were rallies in both New York City and Los Angeles on April 1 — made her feel confident in her chances of ending the guardianship.

"It will absolutely 1000% happen," she said.

Despite claims from her guardian, Williams has insisted that she is of sound mind.

In November, Williams' court-appointed guardian Sabrina E. Morrissey claimed that the former talk show host is "cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and legally incapacitated" in documents obtained by PEOPLE.

In a January interview on The Don Lemon Show, Williams swiftly shut down the idea that she was "incapacitated," telling Don Lemon, "Hell f------ no."

"My life is ridiculous," she told the former CNN anchor. "I've been with this guardian person for three years. For three years of my life... I'm isolated. I feel like I'm in prison. I can't go out. All I can do is look at the window."

Her ex-husband just filed a lawsuit — which he claimed was on her behalf — against her guardian.

In June, Kevin Hunter filed a lawsuit against the facilitators of Williams' guardianship demanding a jury trial and alleging that her constitutional rights have been violated.

Hunter, who Williams was married to from 1999 to 2020, claimed in the complaint that his ex "has been the victim of unrestrained abuse, maltreatment, and fiscal malfeasance" since her guardianship began in 2022. He also alleged that she "was not afforded an independent medical evaluation" before the guardianship was put in place and has since been “subjected to overmedication and undue restrictions."

Hunter is not seeking an end to Williams' guardianship, but rather to instate a "new impartial guardian," release Williams from "involuntary confinement," and he's asking for $250 million in relief for financial loss, reputational damage and harm, emotional distress, legal expenses and deprivation of liberty.

However, Williams later told TMZ that she had "no idea" Hunter was filing the lawsuit. She explained, "Nor do I want him to be a part of my life like that, no because I'm divorced forever."

Full Article & Source:
Wendy Williams Wants to Be 'Freed from Guardianship' as Her 61st Birthday Gift

See Also:
‘Still Trying to Get His Hands on Her Money’: Wendy Williams’ Son Calls Out Her Ex Manager After Dad Kevin Hunter Files $250M Lawsuit Over Her Guardianship

Wendy Williams' Ex-Husband Sues Her Guardian, the Judge Presiding Over Her Case and Others for $250 Million on Her Behalf 

Guardianship Judge to Wendy Williams on Career: "It's Done"

Wendy Williams Originally Asked for a Guardianship, but Didn't 'Think Her Whole Life Would Be Taken Away' (Exclusive Source) 

Wendy Williams wants ‘to move on with my life’ despite guardianship: How she got here 

Wendy Williams begs medical guardian to 'get off my neck' as she insists she's not mentally incapacitated 

Couple charged with $1 million theft from elderly estate | 28/22 News

Source:
Couple charged with $1 million theft from elderly estate | 28/22 News 

St. Augustine handyman used explicit photo in scheme to bilk elderly Nocatee woman out of $100,000: Police

By Rebecca Rosenberg 

A 39-year-old St. Augustine handyman manipulated an elderly Ponte Vedra cancer patient with cognitive issues in a scheme that netted him $100,000 in goods, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

Jeremy Homar was arrested by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office on July 16 and charged with Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Person, Grand Theft, Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification, and Cyberharassment.

According to a police report, Homar established a deceptive relationship with the victim under the false pretense of working on her home through his company, “Jay of All Trades.”

But officials later found that the business was unlicensed. Over several months, Homar ingratiated himself with the victim — gaining her trust, and securing access to her digital devices, documents, and financial records.

In December 2024, the victim wrote Homar two checks totaling $27,500 for supposed contracting work.

Over time, Homar’s exploitation escalated, papers state. He initiated flirtatious communications with the victim and she eventually sent him an explicit photo.

Fearful of his growing influence, the victim’s family convinced her to cut off relations. But Homar then threatened to release the material to her relatives unless she continued their relationship.

Further investigations revealed that Homar had linked the victim’s financial accounts to his own Zelle, PayPal, and retail accounts, bilking her out of approximately $100,000.

Investigators found that he used her funds for items from outlets including Nike, Duluth Trading and Kay Jewelers.

He used her funds to make purchases from Nike, Duluth Trading, Kay Jewelers, and other retailers, with items delivered to both his home and the victim’s residence.

Additionally, Homar convinced the victim to finance a 2024 truck in her name.

The victim also gave Homar an additional $5,000 purportedly to buy a trailer.

Throughout the ordeal, the victim’s family tried to sever ties with Homar. But when he learned of the investigation, he manipulated the victim into believing she was responsible for his legal troubles.

The victim’s daughter, who now holds power of attorney, expressed fears of physical and emotional retaliation from Homar to police. She also cited her mother’s mental deficits and cancer diagnosis as factors that contributed to her vulnerability.

When arrested at a St. Johns Lowe’s Wednesday, Homar agreed to speak with law enforcement without a lawyer present. He denied coercion, insisting that the victim willingly bought the items for him but admitted to threatening to disseminate the intimate photo.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with additional information to come forward.

A lawyer for Homar did not immediately return a request for comment on the case.

Full Article & Source:
St. Augustine handyman used explicit photo in scheme to bilk elderly Nocatee woman out of $100,000: Police  

Judge amends bond conditions in elder exploitation cases involving widow of former Big Red president

John Jay Justice, Cassandra Draper, Chad Justice and Mary Justice.(Photos: Tommy Witherspoon for KWTX)

By Tommy Witherspoon

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A judge on Friday amended the bond conditions for three of four people charged with negligently caring for and financially exploiting Johnnie Sharp, the 79-year-old widow of former Big Red president Donal Sharp.

Judge Thomas West of 19th State District Court removed the house arrest restrictions for John Jay Justice; his brother, Chad Justice; and Jay Justice’s girlfriend, Cassandra Draper, but denied a request from their attorneys to allow them to remove GPS ankle monitors they were ordered to wear after their arrests earlier this month.

Mary Justice, the brothers’ 79-year-old mother, also was arrested in the case. However, she did not have an attorney Friday and was not involved in the bond modification hearing.

While lifting the house arrest requirements, the judge placed the three under curfews, ordering them to be at home from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

The quartet was named in sealed indictments July 3 and charged for their involvement in the care of Johnnie Sharp. Her son, Brad Sharp, confirmed Chad Justice was his mother’s legal guardian at one point. However, he said that changed about a year ago, but Chad Justice still retained power of attorney for Mrs. Sharp.

Sharp has alleged the defendants improperly alienated him from his mother and turned her against him so they could become her guardians and have access to her sizeable estate.

Chad Justice, 51, is charged with injury to an elderly individual, a first-degree felony, exploitation of an elderly individual, a third-degree felony, and endangering an elderly individual, a state jail felony.

Mary Justice is charged with injury to an elderly individual, endangering an elderly individual and exploitation of an elderly induvial.

Jay Justice, 54, and Draper, 36, are both charged with exploitation of an elderly individual.

Court records show Jay Justice remains on felony probation in a 2016 case in which he was convicted of pointing an AR-15 rifle at two teens who were visiting his daughter at their Robinson home at 1 a.m.

The indictments were sealed because the four were not arrested before they were indicted. That resulted in no arrest affidavits being filed, which provide more public information about cases.

However, Cierra Shipley, Waco police spokeswoman, told KWTX the investigation began in October 2023 and revealed John Jay Justice reportedly mentally manipulated the elderly woman, convincing her to give him numerous amounts of money at various times over a 10-year period. Draper also assisted in taking large amounts of money, Shipley 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.

In testimony Friday at the bond hearing, Marcus Shanks, 53, testified that he is an investor in Frontier Biologics and said Chad Justice is the president of the company and its top salesman. Jay Justice is the chief operations officer, while Draper is the lead processor for the company’s lab.

Draper testified she and Jay Justice have been together for 15 years and have a 14-year-old daughter.

Shanks asked West to free them of the burden of wearing the ankle monitors, saying it creates a hardship and bad impression when Chad Justice meets with doctors while wearing the GPS monitor, which he said is conspicuously obvious to those he meets.

He said the three are vital to the company, which has five or six employees and operates out of the old Big Red building at 720 Jewell Drive, adding that the GPS monitors and house arrests are creating a hardship on the business.

Federal regulators have warned the company that its human amniotic products are “unlicensed” and “unapproved,” and that its manufacturing process violates safety regulations, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News.

Shanks said the company sells “regenerative medicine products” to clinics.

In other testimony, Chanler Wailes, a member of the Downsville Volunteer Fire Department, testified that Jay Justice is chief of the department and his absence has made the difficult job more difficult. He said Justice was unable to get his protective fire boots over his ankle monitor, but added that the department answered four calls this week without him and were able to handle them adequately.

He said Jay Justice is only one of three volunteers able to drive the firetrucks.

Draper testified that the company’s products are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, contrary to the letter the company received from the FDA in November. 

Full Article & Source:
Judge amends bond conditions in elder exploitation cases involving widow of former Big Red president 

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

 

Woman charged with exploiting elderly Pensacola man in her care out of nearly $50,000

by WEAR staff

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A 28-year-old Panama City woman is charged in Escambia County with exploiting an elderly Pensacola man in a nursing home.

Akimmia Lewis was booked into Escambia County Jail on Thursday on a charge of:

• Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult (under $50,000)

It's a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit says Lewis financially exploited a senior Pensacola man under her care.

His office says Lewis "abused her role as the victim’s power of attorney by systematically withdrawing funds directly from the victim's bank account."

Between Aug. 9, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023, Lewis transferred approximately $46,788 to her accounts and made cash withdrawals, according to the attorney general.

"Lewis did not use the money to benefit the victim, who was residing in a nursing facility at the time," the release states. 

Full Article & Source:
Woman charged with exploiting elderly Pensacola man in her care out of nearly $50,000