Glamorous judge accused of bullying, intimidation and delaying cases so she could take her DOGS for a walk

By ELIOT FORCE

An Alabama judge has been suspended after she was accused of significant misconduct and abuses of power which allegedly included delaying cases so she could take her dogs for walks. 

Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard was named in a 120-page complaint filed last week by Alabama's Judicial Inquiry Commission, a body that investigates allegations of misconduct by state judges.

The filing claims that Blanchard intimidated attorneys and retaliated against staff at Jefferson County Probate Court, including one clerk who allegedly missed the chance to say goodbye to her dying sister after she was reassigned to a new court following a disagreement with the judge.

Blanchard, 52, was elected to her position in 2024 and took the bench in January 2025. She presides over time-sensitive cases including adoptions, conservatorships, guardianships, involuntary commitments, trusts, wills and estates.

However, the complaint accuses her of regularly being late, delaying and rescheduling cases and generally failing to perform her duties in a timely manner. 

On one occasion she allegedly left a patient languishing in hospital and separated from loved ones around Thanksgiving after postponing a hearing on her release. 

The complaint states the patient was eventually discharged in time for the holiday after the hospital begged Blanchard for help.

The lengthy complaint detailed dozens of specific examples of alleged misconduct. It claimed that she was 'sometimes 30-45 minutes late' to hear dockets, in one case telling her staff that she was late 'because she had three dogs to walk.' 

'On at least one occasion [Blanchard was] over an hour late, wherein the patients, social workers, psychiatrists, and patients' families were forced to wait on Judge Blanchard, wasting valuable time and resources,' the complaint stated.

She was accused of abruptly delaying hearings for weeks, which had real negative consequences for patients in hospitals seeking to be discharged.

In one case detailed in the complaint, a patient who was the subject of an involuntary commitment hearing originally scheduled for November 18 had her hearing suddenly rescheduled to December 2. 

The hospital emailed Blanchard and her staff three times requesting the hearing be expedited so that the patient could be discharged in time to be home for Thanksgiving and avoid 'undue emotional distress,' per the complaint.

'With the cancellation and the rescheduling of her hearing to December 2, this patient will now remain hospitalized for an additional two weeks solely due to the lack of timely access to the hearing process,' the hospital wrote in its second email. 

'This not only prevents her from being home with her family for Thanksgiving, but it also generates unnecessary hospitalization costs and creates avoidable emotional distress for the patient and her loved ones.' 

Blanchard finally held the hearing and discharged the patient on November 20 after the hospital sent a third email explaining that the patient was lying in bed crying, according to the filing. 

The complaint also listed 33 specific cases regarding estates, conservatorships and guardianships that have been pending for up to more than a year since they were filed, despite some of them being 'routine and brief in nature.' 

Additionally, the complaint stated that Blanchard had 'a pattern and practice of bullying and retaliation against probate court staff' from her first day as probate judge and would reassign staff as a form of retaliation.

The complaint states that the judge, who is black, had made racially charged remarks about white chief clerk Amanda Reid. 

Blanchard allegedly asked a staffer if they liked Reid, to which the employee replied that they did and 'had no issues with her.'

Judge Blanchard then said, "Oh, I forgot you all like kissing white ass,"' the complaint said. 

The judge also allegedly regularly reassigned staff from the Birmingham courthouse to one in Bessemer that had a significantly lower caseload and had no legitimate need for additional staff. 

The complaint alleges the transfer were retaliatory as 'there were more than four times the number of open cases in the Birmingham Division versus the Bessemer Division.' 

When staff requested to be transferred back to Birmingham, Blanchard ignored them or otherwise showed indifference, the complaint said. 

In one case, a clerk asked to return to Birmingham and said her reassignment added 40 minutes to her commute and made it more difficult to visit her sister who was dying from cancer.

Blanchard never responded according to the complaint and 'shortly thereafter, the clerk’s sister died,' according to the filing.

The clerk was allegedly unable to make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye because she was 'stuck in traffic driving to the hospital from Bessemer.'

The judge is also accused of bullying attorneys by removing them as conservators, holding them in contempt without legitimate reasons and filing unfounded state bar complaints and baseless police reports.

She allegedly removed attorney Ripon Britton from the law firm Hand Arendall Harrison Sale as conservator simply because she 'did not trust him,' according to the filing.

Blanchard has until June 25 to officially respond to the complaint which is not an indication of any guilt, after which the Court of the Judiciary will determine whether to remove her from office, suspend her without pay or censure her. 

The Alabama's Judicial Inquiry Commission said: 'The Commission cannot provide any information of any kind to anyone who contacts the Commission about a pending or prior complaint or investigation.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Blanchard and Jefferson County Probate Court for comment. 

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Glamorous judge accused of bullying, intimidation and delaying cases so she could take her DOGS for a walk 

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Jefferson County judge suspended, complaint says she called herself “ultimate authority”

Feigenholtz leads expansion of supported decision-making law

 Senator Sara Feigenholtz News

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois would soon join a growing list of states that have expanded alternatives to traditional guardianship to maximize independence, thanks to legislation passed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“The goal is to prioritize an individual’s autonomy in making personal decisions about their own life.  Everyone has a right to self-determination when it comes to important life decisions,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “By expanding this model of support, we are providing people with more control over their own decision-making.”

A supported decision-making agreement allows an individual to identify a supporter to help them interpret information, weigh options, and communicate their decisions about health care, life choices, and financial matters. This unique model fosters confidence and supports people’s ability to make informed decisions while maintaining autonomy.

Traditional guardianship is more restrictive than a supported decision-making agreement in terms of the autonomy someone has over their finances, employment, housing and other life decisions. Many people do not need to enlist a traditional guardian prematurely but will instead benefit from their chosen decision-making assistant when making complex or weighty decisions.

To maximize opportunities for greater autonomy, Feigenholtz’s proposal would establish clear guidelines for implementing and overseeing supported decision-making, ensuring the law’s effective and safe application.

“Being able to make informed decisions about your own life is fundamental – yet many individuals, especially older adults and people with disabilities, have that fundamental right taken away through guardianship when less invasive alternatives exist,” said Feigenholtz. “With expanded supported decision-making, we are creating a new path: one of person-centered support that respects individual freedom.”

House Bill 5365 passed the Senate on Thursday. 

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Feigenholtz leads expansion of supported decision-making law 

How Inheritance Thieves Get Away with It: From Secret Loans to Forged Wills, Estate Hijacking Is Rising

by Amanda Blankenship

Few things destroy families faster than a fight over money after someone dies. Unfortunately, inheritance theft is becoming more common as aging Americans hold trillions of dollars in homes, retirement accounts, and investments. In some cases, the theft comes from total strangers using forged documents and fake wills. In many others, the people accused are relatives, caregivers, or trusted friends who quietly manipulate vulnerable seniors before anyone notices. Here are seven reasons more thieves are getting away with it these days.

1. Forged Wills Are Becoming More Sophisticated

One of the most shocking forms of inheritance theft involves forged wills that suddenly appear after someone dies. Probate experts have warned that fake wills are increasingly being used to redirect estates away from rightful heirs, especially when elderly individuals live alone or die without close oversight. Some fraudsters create simple documents naming themselves as beneficiaries and rely on overwhelmed probate systems to avoid scrutiny. Investigations overseas have already uncovered organized groups targeting estates through fraudulent paperwork and suspicious beneficiary claims. Family members often do not realize anything is wrong until property deeds, bank accounts, or retirement assets have already been transferred.

2. Secret Loans and “Caregiver Debt” Drain Estates Quietly

Another growing tactic involves secret loans or undocumented promises made shortly before death. A caregiver, friend, or relative may suddenly claim the deceased owed them thousands of dollars for housing, errands, or medical support. These claims sometimes appear with handwritten notes, suspicious repayment agreements, or unverifiable cash transactions. In many families, grieving relatives are so emotionally overwhelmed that they never question the paperwork. Once the estate starts paying out these alleged debts, recovering the money can become extremely difficult.

3. Power of Attorney Abuse Happens More Than People Realize

Power of attorney documents are designed to help seniors manage finances safely, but they can also become dangerous tools in the wrong hands. Financial exploitation cases frequently involve someone gaining control over an elderly person’s accounts and quietly moving money before death. According to federal lawmakers and financial regulators, elder financial exploitation includes the improper use of an older adult’s property, funds, or assets. In many reported cases, suspicious withdrawals, home transfers, or beneficiary changes happen while the senior is sick, isolated, or cognitively declining. Some families only discover the damage after reviewing bank statements months later.

4. Isolation Makes Seniors Easy Targets

Inheritance thieves often rely on isolation to succeed. An elderly parent who suddenly stops answering calls, cancels visits, or becomes dependent on one individual may already be under manipulation. Financial abuse experts say perpetrators commonly create emotional dependency before pushing for account access or estate changes. Adult children, romantic partners, neighbors, and caregivers are frequently accused because they already have trust and physical access to important documents. Once isolation takes hold, it becomes much easier to pressure someone into signing revised wills or transferring assets.5. Digital Probate Systems Have Created New Vulnerabilities

5. Digital Probate Systems Have Created New Vulnerabilities 

Many probate systems have modernized and moved online, which has streamlined filings but also introduced new risks. Experts investigating inheritance fraud say reduced in-person verification and automated processing have made it easier for suspicious documents to slip through unnoticed. Fraudsters may submit altered paperwork electronically before family members even know probate has started. In some situations, heirs living in different states discover estate filings only after major decisions have already been approved. That delay can give thieves valuable time to liquidate assets or transfer property ownership.

6. Family Members Are Often the Biggest Threat

Many people assume inheritance theft is committed by strangers, but family members are often at the center of these disputes. Reports on elder abuse consistently show that relatives account for a large percentage of financial exploitation cases. Financial stress, rising housing costs, and expectations surrounding the “great wealth transfer” have intensified tensions within families. Some heirs begin treating a parent’s assets as future income long before death occurs. That mindset can lead to coercion, manipulation, or outright theft disguised as “helping.”

7. Victims Frequently Stay Silent Out of Shame

One reason estate hijacking keeps growing is that many victims never report it. Seniors may feel embarrassed, afraid of retaliation, or unwilling to accuse relatives publicly. Federal authorities say elder fraud losses continue climbing every year, with billions lost annually across the United States. Online discussions about inheritance disputes also reveal how difficult it can be for families to find legal help or law enforcement support once money disappears. By the time lawsuits begin, records may be missing, witnesses unavailable, and estates drained.Protecting an Estate Requires Action Before a Crisis

Protecting an Estate Requires Action Before a Crisis 

The harsh reality is that inheritance theft often succeeds because families wait too long to prepare. Seniors should regularly update wills, use reputable estate attorneys, review beneficiaries carefully, and avoid giving unchecked financial control to one person without oversight. Families should also pay attention to sudden isolation, rushed legal changes, or unexplained financial activity involving aging relatives. Even small safeguards like dual oversight on accounts, secure document storage, and regular communication can reduce the risk dramatically. Inheritance thieves count on silence, confusion, and delayed action, which is exactly why early planning matters so much. 

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How Inheritance Thieves Get Away with It: From Secret Loans to Forged Wills, Estate Hijacking Is Rising 

Jefferson County judge suspended, complaint says she called herself “ultimate authority”

Jefferson County probate judge accused of misconduct

By Morgan Hightower 

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — A judge in Jefferson County who reportedly told her staff she was the “ultimate authority” with “no boss” has been suspended following a 120-page complaint filed by the Judicial Inquiry Commission.

Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard is out of the courtroom indefinitely and through this complaint, is formally accused of ethical and judicial misconduct.

Judge Elisabeth French, the presiding judge in Jefferson County, appointed retired Probate Judge Sherri Friday to serve temporarily in Blanchard’s place and appointed retired Judge Carole Smitherman to temporarily serve as Chief Election Official for Jefferson County.

The complaint lays out dozens of allegations against Blanchard that claim she ran the Probate Court in an incompetent and unprofessional manner, routinely targeting attorneys and staff, and manufacturing a backlog that created  havoc in involuntary commitments.

The commission charges Blanchard with pattern and practice of failing to diligently discharge judicial duties, pattern and practice of failing to follow the law, pattern and practice of exhibiting bias against attorneys appearing in Blanchard’s court, failure to disqualify from a case in which Blanchard served as an attorney, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation against probate court staff, allowing other court officials subject to Blanchard’s direction and control to engage in harassment and intimidation of probate court staff, and failure to maintain professional competence in judicial administration.

Delays in involuntary commitment hearings

Blanchard did not hear an involuntary commitment hearing until September, nine months into her term, according to the complaint. She is accused of frequently being late to court, imposing strict docket limits, canceling hearings hours before they were supposed to begin, including one involving a “respondent who was to be discharged from inpatient care and sent home.”

In that case, the hospital emailed Blanchard and her staff multiple times, requesting a hearing to prevent “avoidable undue and emotional distress for the patient.”

In one email, the hospital said, “With the cancellation and the rescheduling of her hearing to December 2, this patient will now remain hospitalized for an additional two weeks solely due to the lack of timely access to the hearing process. This not only prevents her from being home with her family for Thanksgiving, but it also generates unnecessary hospitalization costs and creates avoidable emotional distress for the patient and her loved ones. Beyond this single case, the cancellation of the docket disrupts unit flow, delays care for other patients needing admission which can pose a threat to public safety and places our staff in untenable operational positions. It is difficult to reconcile today’s action with our shared responsibility to ensure patients receive timely due process and appropriate, least-restrictive care. The sequence of events today reflects a disregard for the rights of our patients, the time and safety of their families, and the operational efficiency of the hospital.”

The complaint said Blanchard held a hearing after a third request that the patient was “lying in bed crying and upset.”

The complaint further alleges court staff shifted cases to the other judge to avoid due-process violations, that Blanchard held some probable-cause hearings outside the statutory time window, and that she misrepresented to Presiding Circuit Judge French that cancellations were rare and that facilities received adequate notice.

Financial and emotional harm to families

Blanchard’s alleged failure to promptly handle probate cases, including guardianship and estate matters, caused financial and emotional harm to families involved.

The complaint includes 24 examples of cases where hearings were canceled or delayed and the people involved had to wait several months, or even a year, for a resolution.

In one example, an attorney reportedly responded to an email about a hearing rescheduling with a plea. “Just hoping we do not have a continuance because I am so worried that my client is going to die.”

Blanchard’s staff responded, “Oh I completely understand. I have another case on this docket in the same predicament…,” according to the complaint.

Special judge appointments sought

The complaint alleges Blanchard repeatedly sought special probate judge appointments, including a “blanket order” for an attorney to cover her during conferences, while she was “in the office so she can get work done,” and for the month of December so she could work on orders from home.

The presiding judge responded that specific dates and reasons were required.

A request in April 2026 was denied, according to the complaint, and the denial letter was delivered to the attorney Blanchard requested as special project judge while he was on the bench hearing cases that he was not properly appointed to hear.

Allegations of attorney intimidation

The complaint outlines an alleged pattern of intimidation by Blanchard against attorneys, including filing improper orders and threatening contempt when those orders were challenged, and filing an unsupported State Bar complaint.

Blanchard is also accused of filing a police report against two attorneys, that resulted in their photographs being shared with courthouse security.

“That same day, the presiding circuit judge met separately with Judge Blanchard and representatives of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Judge Blanchard told the presiding circuit judge that she did not trust Attorneys Britton or Hawley and did not want them in her courtroom.” 

Staff reassignments and alleged retaliation

A large portion of the complaint is dedicated to the alleged treatment of probate staff by Blanchard, including the reassignment of employees from Birmingham to Bessemer with little notice. Blanchard said the additional staff in Bessemer was requested, however, it was not, according to the complaint.

“Moving staff to Bessemer made little sense from a logistical standpoint, and Judge Blanchard was well aware of this. In an email that Judge Blanchard sent to staff and to fellow judges on March 21, 2025, she said that the “open cases Probate Court in the Birmingham Division totaled 742 as of January 21, 2025,” while the “open cases in Probate Court in the Bessemer Division totaled 172 as of January 21, 2025.” In other words, there were more than four times the number of open cases in the Birmingham Division versus the Bessemer Division.”

The complaint said Blanchard was indifferent to staff who requested a transfer back to Birmingham, including a woman who said the move added 40 minutes to her commute and made it more difficult for her spend time with her sister who was dying of cancer.

Blanchard did not respond to her request, according to the complaint.

“Shortly thereafter, the clerk’s sister died. The clerk was unable to make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye because she was stuck in traffic driving to the hospital from Bessemer.”

Allegations involving chief clerk

Blanchard is accused of targeting Chief Clerk Amanda Reid. According to the complaint, an employee was asked by Blanchard on her first day if she like Reid. The employee said she did.

“Judge Blanchard then said, ‘Oh, I forgot you all like kissing white a--.’”

Blanchard is accused of attempting to manufacture performance and insubordination issues against Reid, moving her out of her office and limiting her access to tools and files necessary to do her job.

The complaint said Blanchard moved Reid’s desk to a cubicle in-front of her bailiff, and retaliated against her for complying with a subpoena from the Judicial Inquiry Commission.

In total, Blanchard faces seven charges for violating multiple provisions of the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics. 

This case will be presided over by the Court of the Judiciary, a court of nine judges and attorneys, currently led by Judge William Cole of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Proceedings before the Court of the Judiciary operate like a court hearing. The Judicial Inquiry Commission will act as prosecutor in this setting, making its case before the court. Blanchard will have the opportunity to defend against the allegations in the complaint. The Court of the Judiciary has the authority to remove a judge from office, suspend without pay or censure judges for misconduct.

At the time of publication, Blanchard had not filed a formal response to the complaint.

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Jefferson County judge suspended, complaint says she called herself “ultimate authority” 

 

Son charged with financial exploitation of elderly mother in Layton

by Sorina Trauntvein

LAYTON, Utah (ABC4) — A Layton man is accused of using his power of attorney to take money from his mother’s benefits for his own financial gain instead of paying her care facility bills. She has since passed away.

Chad Rylie Clark, 55, has been charged with one count of intentional or knowing financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult exceeding $5,000, a second-degree felony.

According to court documents, in September or October 2025, Clark was granted power of attorney (POA) for his mother. She had been living in a care facility with her husband for roughly two years, though her husband did not require care.

In September or October 2025, Clark’s mother was moved to a different room, and her husband moved out. Soon after, Clark allegedly began exercising his POA to receive benefits from her pension and take $9,500 out of an account she shared with her husband and moved it to a joint account between himself and his mother.

By the end of 2025, documents say Clark was “the recipient of all the reported finances of” his mother. Around that same time, her bills were only being paid partially to the care facility where she was living.

Clark allegedly led the facility to believe that he didn’t have access to all of her funds, and her husband should be covering the unpaid amount that was due. However, according to court documents, he had received a total of $58,991.93 from his mother’s benefits.

Of that amount, only around $26,783 had been paid out, leaving roughly $32,206 for Clark. His mother’s care facility showed that it was behind on payments for a total amount of $22,500

At some point during 2025, Clark reportedly took $10,000 of that and split it with his brother, directly violating his POA, which stated, “an agent that is not the spouse is not allowed to benefit from the finances or property unless specifically given authority to paraphrase.”

 Clark’s mother passed away in January 2026, documents say.

“Due to Chad [Clark] being in charge of the funds and using them for personal gain rather than paying for the care of [his mother] as the money was supposed to be used, charges are being filed,” court documents read.

Clark is not being arrested, but a summons is being issued for him to appear at any upcoming court hearings. The case was investigated by the Davis County Sheriff’s and Attorney’s Offices. 

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Son charged with financial exploitation of elderly mother in Layton 

Guardianship Reform Arrives: Judges Must Try Less-Restrictive Alternatives, and Power-of-Attorney Forms Get a Major Overhaul

by Drew Blankenship

A lot of the time, guardianship begins with good intentions. However, it can quickly become a really emotionally draining legal process. A court-appointed guardianship can strip away major personal rights, including financial control, healthcare choices, and even decisions about where someone lives. Now, a growing wave of guardianship reform laws across the country is changing how courts approach these cases. Judges are increasingly being required to consider less-restrictive alternatives before removing someone’s legal independence, while updated power-of-attorney rules are reshaping how families plan for aging and incapacity. Ultimately, this should be good news, but you need to go into the situation knowledgeable.

Why Guardianship Reform Is Becoming a National Priority

Guardianship reform has gained momentum after years of criticism from elder advocates, disability-rights groups, and legal experts. Critics argued that traditional guardianship systems sometimes removed too many rights from older adults and disabled individuals even when less severe solutions were available. Newer laws now emphasize “person-centered” planning, which focuses on preserving as much independence as possible while still providing necessary support.

Several states adopting updated versions of the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act now require courts to explore alternatives before imposing full guardianship

Judges Are Now Being Told to Consider Less-Restrictive Alternatives First

One of the biggest changes in guardianship reform involves requiring courts to evaluate alternatives before approving guardianship petitions. These alternatives can include supported decision-making agreements, healthcare directives, representative payees, trusts, and financial power-of-attorney arrangements. In states adopting updated reform measures, judges must often document why less-restrictive options are insufficient before granting broad guardianship powers.

Some states, including Pennsylvania and North Carolina, now specifically require courts to make factual findings showing why less-restrictive alternatives would not adequately protect the person involved.

Power-of-Attorney Documents Are Receiving Major Attention

Power-of-attorney forms are also becoming a major focus under guardianship reform efforts. Attorneys say many older power-of-attorney documents were written too broadly, too vaguely, or without enough safeguards against abuse.

Updated forms in many states now include clearer language about financial authority, healthcare decision-making, fiduciary responsibilities, and limitations on an agent’s powers. Some newer laws also encourage narrower or customized powers rather than automatically granting blanket authority over every aspect of someone’s life.

Families Are Discovering Guardianship Is More Complex Than Expected

Many families assume guardianship simply allows them to “help out” an aging parent, but the legal reality is far more serious. Guardianship can remove rights involving finances, medical care, contracts, housing decisions, and other deeply personal areas of life, depending on the court order. Online discussions from caregivers and social workers show that families are often shocked to learn that guardianship does not automatically give unlimited control over another adult.

Supported Decision-Making Is Emerging as a Popular Alternative

Supported decision-making is becoming one of the fastest-growing alternatives under guardianship reform laws. Instead of transferring legal authority to someone else, supported decision-making allows individuals to retain their rights while receiving help understanding options and communicating decisions.

This approach works especially well for many older adults with mild cognitive decline or individuals with developmental disabilities who still want to participate actively in their lives. The American Bar Association and several state legislatures now encourage courts to prioritize supported decision-making whenever appropriate before imposing guardianship restrictions.

Guardianship Reform Is Changing How Families Plan for Aging

More often than not, judges have started turning to less-restrictive alternatives to traditional guardianship. The goal is to preserve independence whenever possible. That said, at the same time, updated power-of-attorney laws are encouraging families to create more thoughtful, detailed legal plans before emergencies happen. When it’s all said and done, these reforms should reduce unnecessary loss of rights while still protecting vulnerable adults from exploitation or neglect. 

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Guardianship Reform Arrives: Judges Must Try Less-Restrictive Alternatives, and Power-of-Attorney Forms Get a Major Overhaul 

Hollidaysburg woman accused of taking money from older adult to pay for hotels, cruises

Ritchey allegedly used victim’s account to pay for cruises, hotels

A Hollidaysburg woman faces more than two dozen charges related to the financial exploitation of an elderly person.

Brandy Marie Ritchey, 43, was charged with six felony counts of access device used without authorization, five felony counts each of theft by deception and receiving stolen property, one felony count each of financial exploitation of an older adult of care dependent person and forgery. In addition, she was charged with three misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property, two misdemeanor counts of theft by deception, and one misdemeanor count each of Receiving stolen property, theft and unauthorized use of an access device.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, state police received a report in March from a protective services investigator for Blair Senior Services.

The investigator told police he was assigned the case on Feb. 13 and that the victim lived at the Presbyterian Home in Hollidaysburg, where she has been a resident since late September 2025. She had previously lived in her home with Ritchey, the investigator said.

During his research, the investigator received two concerning reports about Ritchey purchasing a new car, but lacking the financial means to do so. The second report showed bank statements that appeared Ritchey was financially exploiting the victim.

When protective services interviewed the victim, she voiced concerns that Ritchey was using her money without permission.

Protective services received a spreadsheet of expenditures from the victim’s bank account and found a variety of purchases that the victim did not authorize, including vacations, hotel rooms and cruises, the affidavit states.

Police reported that the purchases began about June 30, 2025, and included several cruises, cruise excursions, hotels in New York and more.

Police also found several unauthorized cash withdrawals from the victim’s bank account at area ATM machines.

In addition, Ritchey took the victim to the bank on Feb. 13 in an attempt to withdraw $40,000. That request was denied and the account was put on hold, protective services reported.

During the investigation, police spoke to a local bank branch manager who reported her suspicions that Ritchey was exploiting the victim.

In an interview with the victim and her family members, the victim said Ritchey has access to her finances to pay for her stay at the home. But for bills associated with the victim’s home, Ritchey brings the bills and the victim pays those by writing out a check.

Police reported they told the victim that Ritchey may have been using her money to benefit herself for a very long time, the affidavit states, noting the total amounted to about $50,000.

When asked, the victim told police she never authorized Ritchey to use her money for a vehicle, vacations or anything else.

“I made it clear several times to her, if you’re doing this, you’d better be using your own money. If you’re using mine, you’re going to be in trouble. I told her I would stick her ass in jail faster than anything,” the victim told police in the interview.

On March 17, police applied for and were granted a search warrant on Ritchey’s residence, vehicle and person.

The warrant was executed on March 18 and police found a variety of items relating to the case, including the victim’s bank cards, bank statements, checkbooks and deposit/withdrawal slips. In addition, police found receipts for the vehicle purchase and a flight to Miami, as well as a receipt from a local pawn shop where Ritchey allegedly sold gold and silver, receiving $1,400.

During an interview with police on March 19, Ritchey allegedly admitted to using the victim’s money for herself and to selling the victim’s jewelry, police reported.

Ritchey allegedly told police she was broke and didn’t know what else to do.

Ritchey was arraigned Thursday evening before Magisterial District Judge Daniel C. DeAntonio and remanded to the Blair County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Her preliminary hearing is set for May 26 before DeAntonio.

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Hollidaysburg woman accused of taking money from older adult to pay for hotels, cruises 

Michigan court reverses probate court conservatorship order

By: BridgeTower Media Newswires 

DETROIT, MI — Where a petitioner has challenged probate court orders appointing appellee as conservator for the petitioner’s minor children under MCL 700.5106 and MCL 700.5409, the probate court erroneously relied on a confidential report submitted by a guardian ad litem without first allowing him the opportunity to review it, in violation of MCR 5.121(D)(2)(a).

Reversed.

“Although petitioner did not first bring this issue to the probate court, we exercise our discretion to review this issue. It presents concerns regarding procedural fairness in the probate court’s handling of a confidential GAL report that it received into evidence and expressly relied upon in rendering its decision. The probate court did not provide petitioner an opportunity to examine or respond to that material. A proceeding in which the court relies on undisclosed evidence to resolve a contested issue affecting statutory priority and fiduciary appointment undermines the fundamental fairness of the adjudicative process. In our view, if we declined to review this alleged violation of a court rule designed to safeguard the rights of interested parties in probate proceedings, it would result in a manifest injustice. …

“Here, the probate court appointed the GAL, received the GAL’s confidential report into the record, and relied on that report in rendering its decision. Under these circumstances, the court rules imposed an affirmative obligation on the probate court to ensure that petitioner, as an interested person, was afforded an opportunity to examine and review the report and to controvert it. The court was required to do so regardless of whether petitioner made a formal request. The record does not reflect that petitioner was ever afforded such an opportunity, although evidence of his desire to do so is apparent from the record. Before the hearing, petitioner sent an email to the GAL requesting whether ‘any information can be provided on what is contained in the confidential file that makes [petitioner] unsuitable to serve as conservator?’ The GAL responded that she would ‘need to defer to the court on [her] recommendation,’ due to her discomfort with providing further information. This exchange demonstrates that petitioner affirmatively sought access to the report but the GAL declined. That procedure was inconsistent with the plain language of MCR 5.121(D)(2)(a). Accordingly, petitioner is entitled to a new hearing. On remand, petitioner must be afforded the opportunity to examine any GAL report received into evidence as required by MCR 5.121(D)(2)(a).

“Reversed and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”

In re Conservatorship of GT; MiLW No. 07-110568, 18 pages; Michigan Court of Appeals published; Rick, J., joined by Yates, J., Mariani, J.; on appeal from Wayne Probate Court; Elizabeth L. Parker for appellant; Dawn A. Santamarina for appellee. 

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Michigan court reverses probate court conservatorship order

PBS Brings Back Series Focused On Character With Autism

by Shaun Heasley

A popular drama centering on a detective with autism who has a unique way of solving crimes is set to return.

PBS said that it will air a new season of the British show “Patience” this summer.

The series follows Patience Evans, a woman with autism who works in the criminal records office in the city of York. She is drafted to help solve complex criminal investigations after a detective notices her extraordinary attention to detail.

Patience is played by Ella Maisy Purvis, who is neurodiverse.

“Patience” is an adaptation of the French hit “Astrid.” The British version debuted on Channel 4 in the U.K. before airing its first season on PBS last year. It was one of the most streamed series on PBS’ digital platforms, the network said.

Season two finds Patience learning to work with a new detective while searching for her mother and navigating love.

“Audiences connected with ‘Patience’ in its first season, and we’re excited to bring the mystery back for another chapter,” said Maria Bruno Ruiz, vice president of program content strategy and scheduling at PBS. “With new cases, new characters and deeper emotional stakes, season two builds on what viewers loved while expanding the world of the show.”

The new season of “Patience” will be available to stream May 31 on PBS Passport and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video before airing on PBS stations beginning June 14 at 8 p.m. ET. 

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PBS Brings Back Series Focused On Character With Autism 

Social media erupts: Kentucky mom hidden camera caught abuse of nonverbal son

by Victoria Garnes

(KTAL/KMSS) — A Louisville mother is going viral on social media after she says a hidden camera placed in her nonverbal autistic son’s hair captured a school employee physically and verbally abusing the child inside a classroom.

The allegations surfaced this week after mother Tiphanee Lee shared videos, screenshots and emotional posts on Facebook, claiming she secretly sent her son, Semaj’ Lee, to school with a recording device after becoming suspicious about how staff at Field Elementary School were treating him.

According to Lee, the footage and audio allegedly captured a teacher’s assistant yelling at the child, using racial slurs and physically assaulting him while the boy cried out. Lee said she decided to use the hidden camera after school officials repeatedly described her son as “aggressive,” behavior she said did not match what she saw at home. Lee hid the camera in her son’s hair.

The posts quickly gained traction online, with thousands of shares, comments and reactions pouring in across Facebook, Instagram and other platforms. Many social media users expressed outrage, calling for criminal charges, staff accountability and increased protections for children with disabilities.

According to a letter shared online from Jefferson County Public Schools, district officials said Child Protective Services and district investigators began looking into the allegations on May 13. The district also said the staff member at the center of the investigation has been reassigned while the investigation continues.

Lee has vowed to continue speaking out and says she wants justice not only for her son, but for other children who may be unable to speak for themselves. 

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Social media erupts: Kentucky mom hidden camera caught abuse of nonverbal son 

Onondaga Judge Named Guardianship Co-Chair

by Lucas Day

Mary Keib Smith has been appointed as the upstate judicial co-chair of New York’s Guardianship Advisory Committee.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas announced the appointment this week. The committee advises New York’s Unified Court System on guardianship matters and works to improve guardianship practices statewide.

Keib Smith will serve alongside downstate judicial co-chair Charles Troia. She succeeds David Guy, who is retiring later this year.

Keib Smith has served as Onondaga County Surrogate since 2018. Since being designated an acting Supreme Court justice in 2021, she has overseen Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 guardianship cases in Onondaga County.

Before joining the bench, Keib Smith practiced law in Syracuse, focusing on estate planning, estate administration, elder care, and guardianships.

State court officials praised Keib Smith’s experience handling complex guardianship cases and said her leadership will help support ongoing efforts to improve New York’s guardianship system.

In a statement, Keib Smith said she looks forward to working with committee members and court leadership to continue reforms and help protect vulnerable New Yorkers who are unable to advocate for themselves. 

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Onondaga Judge Named Guardianship Co-Chair 

Former Cloquet police officer found guilty of taking advantage of elderly person

By Matt McConico 

SAINT PAUL & CLOQUET, Minn. – Former Cloquet Police Officer Laci Marie Silgjord was found guilty of one count of felony attempted theft by swindle.

Silgjord exploited a now-deceased 78-year-old vulnerable adult.

She gained access to victim’s bank accounts and attempted to inherit the estate worth more than $150.000, despite Ms. Armey having surviving family.

Silgjord was financially exploiting Joan Arney, at the time a 78-year-old with dementia, Silgjord met through her employment as a then-Cloquet police officer.

The state said four months after meeting the victim, Silgjord represented herself to a bank as her fiduciary, despite having no legal authority for this role, and gained access to the victim’s bank accounts.

Silgjord will be sentenced at a date to be determined.

The Carlton County Attorney referred the case to the Attorney General’s Office and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. It was tried jointly by Medicaid Fraud and Criminal Division.

Timeline of the accusations against Silgjord from the Attorney General’s Office:

As outlined in the  criminal complaint and as proven at trial, Silgjord first met the victim in May 2020 when Silgjord responded to the victim’s residence for a call regarding a stolen purse. By January 2021, Silgjord had attempted to obtain the victim’s entire remaining estate despite the victim having surviving family and no written estate plan awarding anything to Silgjord. This was despite a Cloquet Police Department policy that in order to “avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest members of this department shall refrain from developing or maintaining personal or financial relationships with victims, witnesses or other individuals during the course of, or as a direct result of, any official contact.” 

Then-Officer Silgjord first encountered the victim on May 5, 2020, when she responded to a call about a stolen purse.  On June 2, 2020, Silgjord performed a welfare check at the victim’s house upon the request of the victim’s half-brother. Silgjord and other officers conducted a second welfare check on August 25, 2020, when they found the victim in very poor condition, including that she had suffered a stroke and had deficits in memory and attention. The victim was immediately transported to the hospital.  

On September 4, 2020, the hospital petitioned for guardianship for the victim due to “severe memory and orientation deficits which make her unable to make higher level decisions about her medical care.” At a court hearing on the guardianship, Silgjord stated that a social worker at the hospital asked Silgjord to be the victim’s guardian. The Court appointed Silgjord as guardian on September 11, 2020, which allowed her to perform duties related to personal care and custody. Silgjord was never appointed as a conservator to make financial decisions for the victim or manage the victim’s money, however. 

Throughout September 2020, Silgjord recorded multiple bedside conversations with the victim.  During one conversation, the victim said she did not know where she was, did not know her maiden name, did not know her father’s name, and did not remember how old her son was when he died.  Silgjord also showed the victim a photograph of herself when she was younger; the victim did not recognize herself. During this conversation, Silgjord told the victim that she was her “new grandma” and that she loved the victim.  The victim responded that she loved Silgjord and that she wanted to take care of her. 

In late September 2020, Silgjord presented guardianship paperwork to the victim’s bank. She documented on a form titled “Fiduciary Accounts Application & Agreement” that she was the victim’s fiduciary and that she had the authority to access the victim’s accounts.   

Medical records in October 2020 documented the victim’s continued regression, and at times noted she was hallucinating. On October 28, 2020, the victim passed away with no surviving children and no will. Silgjord did not notify the victim’s estranged husband and next of kin about the victim’s death.   

Shortly after the victim’s death, Silgjord met the victim’s estranged husband at a restaurant. The Court’s order appointing Silgjord as guardian indicated that her guardianship expired upon the victim’s death — yet Silgjord claimed to the victim’s estranged husband that she was “in charge” of ensuring the victim’s wishes were carried out. Silgjord also refused to give the estranged husband the keys to the victim’s house. When the estranged husband asked Silgjord about submitting paperwork to access the victim’s bank accounts, Silgjord responded that he could “probably not” do this “because I am on the account.”   

On November 24, 2020, the victim’s estranged husband went to the victim’s house, where he encountered Silgjord. Silgjord falsely claimed she had a guardianship and conservatorship over the victim, refused to provide him the keys, and said that she would not do so “until the courts make me sign it over.” 

On December 18, 2020, Silgjord filed a petition seeking to be appointed personal representative of the victim’s estate. Silgjord claimed the estate was indebted to her for guardianship expenses. Some of compensation sought by Silgjord included time she supposedly spent on the guardianship while Silgjord was on duty as a police officer. 

On January 28, 2021, Silgjord filed a claim against the victim’s estate for $71,601.58, which she estimated to be the estate’s total value. In describing her claim, Silgjord wrote “Prior to Joan’s death she told me she loved me & wanted to take care of me & my family. I was Joan’s friend & court appointed guardian.”    

On March 9, 2021, Silgjord filed a second claim seeking an additional $86,611.70 from the estate, which represented the total of the inheritance the victim was set to receive from her stepmother’s estate. In describing this claim, Silgjord wrote, “I was Joan’s court appointed guardian & took care of her prior to her death. There is no formal will but Joan told me & my husband she loved us and wanted to take care of us. I have this recorded on my cell phone.”   

The Court denied Silgjord’s claims against the victim’s estate. Silgjord’s employment as a Cloquet police officer ended in June 2022.  

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Former Cloquet police officer found guilty of taking advantage of elderly person 

Banks oppose bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled

by Sean Reed 

Based on the multiple billions of dollars lost to scams and exploitation of elderly and disabled adults each year, victims, lawmakers and interest groups want to move legislation that would require Illinois banks to provide new protective measures to prevent fraud.

Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Collinsville, is the sponsor of House Bill 4767, which would create new requirements for banks and credit unions to report potential financial exploitation of elderly and disabled adults.

Reports under the legislation would be sent to the Illinois Department on Aging, the agency behind the bill.

IDoA Director Mary Killough said financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse reported in the state of Illinois, and $4.9 billion was reportedly lost by adults over 60 in 2024 – according to FBI data.

“Our legislation allows financial financial institutions to temporarily pause suspicious transactions and contact trusted representatives when exploitation is suspected,” Killough said. “We have the responsibility to ensure older adults can age with dignity and security not fear, preventing financial exploitation before it occurs is one of the most effective ways to do that.”

Stuart said she thinks the bill is especially pertinent due to reports of fraud becoming more sophisticated.

“If they don't have a clear picture of everything that's going on, this fraud is getting more sophisticated, much easier to be duped, much more devastating, much more quickly getting more information and other things about vulnerable people,” Stuart said.

The children of two fraud victims spoke in support of the proposal as well.

One man named Tony – who did not fully identify himself at the request of his 83-year-old father, who wanted to avoid embarrassment – said his father fell victim to a [**phone scam**](https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/suburban-man-loses-69k-to-scammer-using-ai-generated-u-s-marshals-badge/) that drained about $69,000 from his savings in a little more than a week.

He said the case involved the scammer impersonating a U.S. Marshal.

Lori Hendren with AARP Illinois said her organization sees devastation from such scams.

“This is not about money, it impacts individuals' independence, their health, housing stability, sense of security, and overall quality of life. For many older adults, their family and or their caregivers, losing hard-earned savings means losing control of their future,” Hendren.

The bill has some opposition in financial institutions.

Stuart said after a long negotiation process, she was able to add language to the bill that accounted for their concerns about who on staff would be responsible for reporting potential fraud.

Despite the negotiations, bank and credit union groups still oppose the bill over the new requirements that would be imposed on their operations.

As for the cost of implementing the fraud prevention plan, Killough said the department doesn’t expect to need more resources.

“We already spend a lot of money in that direction. I don't think it's going to add any more, but what we're hoping for is when we investigate for abuse, it's not for a crime, it's to ensure that the individual receives the services that they need so they won't be victimized,” Killough said.

The bill was introduced in early February, and currently awaits progress in the House of Representatives.

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Banks oppose bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled 

Couple found guilty of identity theft, elder financial abuse of late Sanger golf course owner

By Vincent Camarillo

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A jury has convicted Gina Abercrombie and her fiancé, Justin Teel, on financial abuse and identity theft charges in a high-profile case involving the late owner of a Valley golf course.

The verdict, delivered Tuesday after more than two months of trial proceedings, followed extensive testimony and thousands of documents presented by prosecutors.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Lisa Urrizola said the evidence showed the couple stole more than $800,000 from Abercrombie's stepfather, Randy Hansen, between 2017 and 2022.

Hansen owned Sherwood Forest Golf Club near Sanger and died in 2020.

Prosecutors said the scheme spanned five years and involved Abercrombie and Teel impersonating Hansen and applying for business loans in his name.

Urrizola characterized the fraud as escalating over time.

"They dipped their toe in the pool, and then they put their leg, and then they jumped in and they never stopped," Urrizola said.

Throughout the trial, Abercrombie and Teel were seen glancing at the courtroom gallery and, at times, appearing confident.

That demeanor changed as the verdict was read.

Abercrombie shook her head and appeared emotional, later telling someone in the gallery that the verdict was wrong. 

Urrizola dismissed the reaction.

"I think both of them are sociopaths, and they've never been held accountable for their behavior, and they believe they were going to get away with it, and they did for a very long time," she said.

Prosecutors emphasized the coordination between the two defendants, arguing the scheme was deliberate and long in the making.

Urrizola said their connection dated back years.

"Teal is a felon; he was paroled in 2015 for mortgage fraud, perjury and welfare fraud. They knew each other from high school, and he looked her up when he got out of prison, and then her mother passed away, and that was ripe for the picking," she said.

The district attorney's office said it plans to seek the maximum sentence of 5 years and 4 months in prison for both defendants.

"Based on the sophistication, based on the fact that they took advantage of this man, that he was a family member, that it went on for over three years, so there was never a reflection by them to stop," Urrizola said.

In addition to potential prison time, the defendants could be ordered to pay up to $875,000 in restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for June 29. 

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Couple found guilty of identity theft, elder financial abuse of late Sanger golf course owner 

New Mexico ‘imposter nurse’ could face up to 100 years in prison if convicted

by Jonathan Fjeld

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — An ‘imposter nurse’ in Las Cruces is facing 34 charges after nearly causing the death of a patient and illegally giving medications to patients under 18 years old.

A Doña Ana County grand jury indicted Margarita Gonzalez. She is accused of assuming the identities of nurses in Texas to get hired at four nursing facilities in Las Cruces:

• Village at Northrise
• Las Cruces Wellness and Rehabilitation
• Peak Behavioral Health
• Matrix Home Care

The New Mexico Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau investigated and discovered instances where Gonzalez illegally gave injections and dispensed prescriptions, including narcotics to eight inpatient residents under 18 years old.

An investigation also found Gonzalez was also about to allegedly give “an incorrect insulin dose” to a patient that they claim could’ve killed the patient if another nurse hadn’t caught the error.

Several facilities fired Gonzalez over patient safety concerns and an observed lack of knowledge.

“Impersonating a healthcare provider is a reckless and selfish crime that subjects those most vulnerable to risk of serious injury or death,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez said. “I will not tolerate those who risk the safety of patients or cause danger and unnecessary confusion within the healthcare system. These charges should keep anyone attempting to pose as a healthcare provider on notice: we will find you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law to protect New Mexicans.” 

Gonzalez’s charges include identity theft, nursing without a license, abuse of a resident, distribution of controlled substances to a minor and fraud totaling over $25,000.

If convicted on all counts, Gonzalez could face up to 100 years in prison.  

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New Mexico ‘imposter nurse’ could face up to 100 years in prison if convicted 

Man accused of abusing elderly family member after police said feces, urine and roaches found in home

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

A Killeen man was indicted on a first-degree felony charge after police said they found animal feces, urine and roaches throughout an elderly family member’s home where he was living.

On Wednesday, a Bell County grand jury indicted Charles Edward Hambleton, 50, on a charge of intentional injury to an elderly person causing serious bodily injury.

Hambleton was booked into the Bell County Jail on April 1, and he was being held on Thursday with a bond of $50,000 listed.

The allegation dates back to last year, when KPD received a report on Jan. 23, 2025, from a state agency.

“Adult Protective Services (APS) had received a report that (a woman in her 70s) had been neglected by (Hambleton), who lived with her in her home for a number of years prior to the APS report being filed,” according to an arrest affidavit. “(She) resided (in the 400 block of West Voelter Avenue) in Killeen. The APS report documented a visit by the (elderly woman’s) family to the home on Jan. 23, 2025, where the family member discovered (her) lying on the floor in unsafe and unsanitary conditions...”

Police said the woman had been lying on the floor since falling and breaking a leg bone.

“The family member called Emergency Medical Services, which reported that (the) house was unkept and smelled of urine (and) feces,” according to the affidavit. “The (woman) was found in the back room of the house lying in human (and) animal feces for what appeared to be at least a couple days. EMS could not determine the last time the (woman) had water or anything to eat and observed that she was disoriented.”

Hambleton was on scene while EMS was present but police said that he did not help.

“EMS further reported that the (woman) had fallen multiple times in the last month but had not been provided with any medical care after falling,” police said. “The family member (who) contacted EMS stated that the last time she saw the (woman) was about a month earlier (and) she was walking around and seemed to be communicating normally.”

The elderly woman was transported to a hospital where an evaluation allegedly showed multiple injuries including broken bones, open wounds and bruising.

“Family members reported animal feces, urine, and roaches throughout the home, with minimal food available,” according to the affidavit.

Bell County court records show that Hambleton has multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated along with other charges such as resisting arrest, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. 

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Man accused of abusing elderly family member after police said feces, urine and roaches found in home