If you know someone who is affected by his arrest, please contact me at adam@abcactionnews.com
Source:
Adam Walser I-Team
Showing posts with label accused exploitation of the elderly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accused exploitation of the elderly. Show all posts
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Professional Guardian Charged
If you know someone who is affected by his arrest, please contact me at adam@abcactionnews.com
Source:
Adam Walser I-Team
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Reno man sentenced to prison for stealing from father
Yohannes Habtemicael is sentenced for the category “B” felony for converting funds entrusted to him as his father’s guardian for personal use. The fraudulent acts were committed between August 2014 and November 2015.
Laxalt's office says in 2014, Habtemicael was appointed as the permanent guardian of his 67-year-old father Tewolde Habtemicael and his estate, after it was determined that Tewolde Habtemicael was unable to care for himself. As a guardian, his son was entrusted with funds for the limited purpose of providing for his father’s care. But he converted more than $88,000 of his father’s funds for his own personal use.
District Court Judge Jerome Polaha sentenced Habtemicael to 24-120 months in prison, and ordered him to pay full restitution in the amount of $88,414.65.
“Financial exploitation can take many forms, and commonly involves trusted persons of a vulnerable adult,” said Laxalt. “This sentencing sends a message that abuses committed against our elderly will not be tolerated and will be aggressively pursued and prosecuted. I am proud of how effective my Elder Abuse Section of the Financial Fraud Unit has been in responding to a statewide increase in financial fraud and guardianship exploitation.”
In July, 2016, the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee unanimously approved Laxalt’s request to combat increasing financial fraud within the State using non-taxpayer settlement funds obtained by his office. Laxalt’s request included the allocation of approximately $400,000 of non-taxpayer settlement funds to the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada in order to boost their capacity to fight civil guardianship exploitation and abuse. In the attorney general’s new budget, the Legislature re-authorized the financial fraud positions, as well as additional funding for Washoe Legal Services to combat elder exploitation in Northern Nevada counties. Although the Office of the Nevada Attorney General does not have primary jurisdiction over guardianship matters, the Office will continue to prosecute meritorious cases from District Attorney Offices who either refer or decline prosecution.
If you have information regarding a suspected instance of fraud, you can file a complaint here.
Full Article & Source:
Reno man sentenced to prison for stealing from father
Monday, May 8, 2017
Deputies searching for woman accused of exploiting elderly person
 |
| Christy Lynn Parks |
Christy Lynn Parks is wanted for burglary in the second degree, forgery and exploitation of an elderly person, according to a post on the sheriff’s office facebook page.
Parks, who is about 5 feet 1 and 120 pounds, could be driving a black GMC Yukon.
Anyone with information is urged to call Investigator Kenneth Hester at 478-951-7659 or the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500.
Full Article & Source:
Deputies searching for woman accused of exploiting elderly person
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Ex-deputy accused of exploiting elderly woman facing more charges
Frankie Eugene Bybee, 46, was charged Monday evening with fraud - impersonation: using/possessing ID of another person without consent and access to a computer/electronic device without authority.
During the investigation of Bybee's actions, detectives found an email containing suicidal implications was delivered to the 79-year-old victim’s primary care doctor from the victim’s email address as if it came from her, on Dec. 28. When medical staff received the email, they alerted law enforcement, who responded to the victim’s home and initiated an involuntary commitment for evaluation.
The victim later told detectives she never authored the email, and upon forensic analysis, detectives learned that the email originated from an IP address assigned to Bybee’s residence in Manatee County.
Detectives determined that Bybee wrote the email which ultimately led to the victim’s wrongful involuntary commitment to a treatment facility.
Bybee is already facing multiple charges including attempted murder, exploitation of the elderly, forgery, petty theft, two counts of grand theft, burglary of an occupied dwelling and battery on a victim 65 years or older.
He is accused of taking thousands of dollars from the victim, stealing her dog and trying to kill her by filling her house with carbon monoxide.
He is being held at the Sarasota County jail.
Full Article & Source:
Ex-deputy accused of exploiting elderly woman facing more charges
Saturday, February 4, 2017
EM woman sues accusers in elderly exploitation case
Alice M. Hipes, 60, filed the lawsuit in Rock Island County Circuit Court against Alternatives for the Older Adult Inc., one of its employees and East Moline police officer Darren Gault.
Ms. Hipes was arrested in February 2015 and charged in Rock Island County with financial exploitation of an elderly person. The arrest stemmed from an East Moline Police Department investigation based off a tip received by Alternatives for the Older Adult.
Ms. Hipes claims Alternatives for the Older Adult employee Katie Judge "falsely alleged" to East Moline police that Ms. Hipes had "financially exploited more than $70,000 from Donald Kinchner," whom Ms. Hipes served as a caregiver for about ten years, according to the lawsuit.
Further investigation reduced the alleged exploited sum to $47,300, according to the lawsuit.
According to Dispatch•Argus archives, Ms. Judge told police she visited the alleged victim, a 92-year-old man, several times and that he smelled of urine and lived in "substandard" conditions, which included a limited supply of expired food.
Ms. Hipes had been hired to run errands and buy groceries for the man. In exchange, she received $800 per month, plus "whatever money" she needed for personal use, according to East Moline police.
Rock Island County prosecutors dropped charges against Ms. Hipes on April 8, 2016, after a judge blocked the use of a message recorded by Mr. Kinchner before his May 2015 death.
Prosecutors were not allowed to use the recorded message in a trial because it would have violated the defendant's right to cross examine all witnesses, according to the ruling.
Ms. Hipes' attorney told the Dispatch•Argus that no forensic accounting was done to investigate his client's case. He said after the investigator learned Mr. Kinchner paid his bills primarily in cash, the investigator subpoenaed bills and other financial statements, which accounted for the "vast majority" of the money alleged to be missing.
The lawsuit describes the harm Ms. Hipes suffered because of the case, saying she "sustained substantial damages to her reputation, severe emotional and mental distress" and "lost income from employment as a caregiver." Additionally, she was incarcerated in Rock Island County Jail, had her arrest publicized in local news outlets and was deprived of continuing her relationship with Mr. Kinchner.
Ms. Hipes is requesting damages in excess of $100,000.
Alternatives for the Older Adult was unable to comment on the litigation. East Moline Police Department said it does not agree with the allegations and will let the case play out in court.
Full Article & Source:
EM woman sues accusers in elderly exploitation case
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Indictment accuses home health worker of exploiting elderly
 |
| Aleesea Williams |
Aleesea Williams, 26, was indicted by a Bowie County grand jury Thursday for exploitation of the elderly. If convicted, Williams faces two to ten years in prison.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Williams began making visits to the woman’s home in January. The woman’s nephew, who has power of attorney over her affairs, thought it odd when he learned Williams had taken a piece of mail from Superior Chevrolet in Conway, Ark., from his aunt’s house. A check of his aunt’s credit revealed a $31,406 auto loan had been taken out in April.
The elderly woman denied she offered to cosign a loan for Williams though Williams claimed she had.
Investigators with the Wake Village Police Department spoke to the salesman who sold Williams a car. The salesman said he spoke to a woman on the phone who used the elderly woman’s name and claimed she was Williams’s mother-in-law. The elderly woman’s identification and loan paperwork were sent via fax to the dealership. The paperwork reportedly bore handwriting similar to the alleged victim’s but with some obvious exceptions and the woman’s name was misspelled “on occasion.”
Williams is currently free on a $50,000 bond.
Full Article & Source:
Indictment accuses home health worker of exploiting elderly
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Attorney General Laxalt announces third elder exploitation guardianship abuse prosecution
The alleged crimes were committed between August 2014 and November 2015.
According to the complaint, Habtemicael was appointed as the permanent guardian of his 67-year-old father Tewolde Habtemicael and his estate after it was determined that he was unable to take care of himself.
As a guardian, Yohannes was entrusted with funds for limited purpose of providing his father's care. He allegedly subsequently converted more than $80,000 of his father's funds for his own personal use.
The State of Nevada V. Habteicael criminal complaint represents the third guardianship exploitation criminally charged by the Nevada Attorney General's Office.
Laxalt said, “I will continue to work collaboratively with local law enforcement and district attorneys to protect the rights of our elderly and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Full Article & Source:
Attorney General Laxalt announces third elder exploitation guardianship abuse prosecution
Monday, January 9, 2017
Rome Woman Charged with Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Elderly Grandmother
Reports stated that in December of last year Mason stole several checks from her 89 year-old grandmother at her home on McGrady Road. She then allegedly passed them at numerous locations, racking up over $4,000 in purchases.
Later last month she is accused of entering into the President’s Office at Berry College and stealing a Visa credit card.
Police added that it was also discovered that between October 19th and October 31, 2016 she presented checks at Heritage First Bank in the amount of $1,564.56 that was supposedly made by her elderly grandmother. She also presented checks for $2,310 to Coosa Valley Credit Union and $3,380.02 to Wal-Mart.
In late December she is also charged with stealing her grandmother’s visa credit and Belk charge cards.
Mason is charged with two counts of first degree burglary, exploitation of the elderly, financial transaction card theft and three counts of forgery.
Full Article & Source:
Rome Woman Charged with Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Elderly Grandmother
Saturday, October 8, 2016
St. Pete detectives: Suspect stole $126K from 94-year-old man
St. Petersburg Police arrested a 68-year-old woman on Friday, and charged her with stealing more than $125,000 from the living trust of a 94-year-old man.
- Jane E. Vatelot, 68, a licensed professional guardian
- Vatelot contacted about assisting victim with finances
- Vatelot used funds for own personal expenses
According to detectives, Vatelot is a licensed professional guardian. Vatelot reportedly was contacted about assisting the victim with his finances, and was granted Power of Attorney by the victim, who lacked the capacity to consent at the time.
Detectives said Vatelot then used her access to the victim's living trust account to obtain funds for her own personal expenses. Those expenses reportedly included mortgage, credit card, and car insurance payments.
Detectives currently calculate the loss at approximately $126,000.
Full Article & Source:
St. Pete detectives: Suspect stole $126K from 94-year-old man
Monday, September 12, 2016
Woman accused of exploiting elderly man, stealing more than $90,000
Police said Kari Smith, 38, of Largo entered into a "personal employment" agreement in 2014 with 86-year-old David Waddell. She gained access to his financial accounts and began to write checks and transfer large amounts of money to herself, totaling $90,806.24 from July 2014 to January 2015, they said.
Smith is charged with one count of exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult and two counts of criminal use of personal information.
Police said Smith and Waddell met in 2014 at a Clearwater law firm where she worked as a legal assistant. Waddell, who suffered from mental illness, sought assistance from the law firm. Police said Smith befriended Waddell and persuaded him to pay her large amounts for clerical work.
Waddell died in February 2015. An inquiry began after Waddell's family contacted detectives because they saw inconsistencies in his financial estate, police said. Police said Smith used Waddell's information to continue transferring money from his accounts during the inquiry.
Police said Smith has been taken to the Pinellas County Jail, and the investigation is ongoing.
Full Article & Source:
Woman accused of exploiting elderly man, stealing more than $90,000
Monday, August 8, 2016
Lafayette police: Woman pretended to be doctor, exploited elderly
An arrest warrant affidavit indicates Julie Steenhoek, 53, is wanted on one count of felony at-risk exploitation. She does not appear to have a prior criminal record in Colorado, but police found several online complaints regarding her neurofeedback services.
Police said Steenhoek convinced the woman to go out of state to visit family, then placed her husband in an assisted living facility and moved her own family into the home, which she then put on the market.
Family members began reporting Steenhoek — who went by “Dr. Julie” — after they believed she was preventing them from speaking to the woman, even sending an email purportedly from the woman saying that she was “of sound mind and body,” the affidavit said.
One family member also called Adult Protective Services after attending an elder abuse seminar put on by the Jefferson County District Attorney and thinking that an example case sounded like what was happening to the couple, according to police. (Click to Continue)
Full Article & Source:
Lafayette police: Woman pretended to be doctor, exploited elderly
Friday, July 15, 2016
Northern Nevada man charged with abusing guardianship system
Wade Fordin, 53, will face one count of exploitation of an older person and one count of theft for acts authorities say were committed between February 2012 and November 2013.
According to the criminal complaint, Fordin was appointed as the permanent guardian of his 80-year-old mother, Helen Mae Fordin, after it was determined that she was unable to care for herself. Wade Fordin was entrusted with her estate for the limited purpose of providing for her care, but he personally used more than $6,000 of her money, the attorney general’s office said.
The case, which is being prosecuted by the attorney general’s fraud unit, comes just a week after the Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee approved Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s request to use non-taxpayer settlement funds to take on financial fraud. The initiative also included about $400,000 for the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to boost its capacity to take on civil guardianship exploitation and abuse cases.
This is the second guardianship-related case that Laxalt’s office has prosecuted.
Wendy Rudder, who was providing public guardian services under a contract with Lincoln County, pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct of a public officer related to unauthorized withdrawals from a ward’s guardianship account and was sentenced in the spring of 2015.
The case was referred to Laxalt’s office by Elko County officials during a law enforcement summit in February.
“My prosecutors will continue to partner with local law enforcement and district attorneys to deter the exploitation of vulnerable populations, and to ensure our elderly are treated with respect and dignity, not victimized,” Laxalt said.
Full Article & Source:
Northern Nevada man charged with abusing guardianship system
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Daughter accused of helping to exploit parents
Sgt. Yesenia Carde of the Martin County Sheriff's office said the victims are financially cleaned out.
"They had enough, they had enough," Carde said.
Over a period of a year, the elderly male victim in the case would head to a local grocery store on Kanner Highway in Martin County and use the ATM to withdraw money, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim would give the money to a courier.
But he would later learn it was all a scam.
The victim's daughter admitted to using a courier scam to trick her parents into paying the defendants $30,000 to $40,000 over the last nine to 10 months, reportedly to feed her drug habit, according to the sheriff's office.
"This couple, they were approached by the daughter and they cared for her, they love her and they wanted to take care of her but she embezzled quite a bit of money with the other co-defendants from them," Carde said.
When the money ran out, two of the defendants thought the couple and their daughter needed motivation, so they would continue paying, according to documents.
They reportedly kidnapped the three, drove them to a wooded area near western Palm Beach County and made them get on their knees. Then they allegedly threatened to "shoot them in the water and let the gators eat them," authorities said.
The three were returned to their home, and days later the elderly couple contacted the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
"Right now their main concern is fear of retaliation, obviously, hence why they won't come forward to speak to anybody else at this time. I can tell you that they were even having a hard time just getting food," Carde said.
There are four defendants in the case. They are the elderly victims’ daughter, Nicolas Reeds, Kenneth Ellershaw and Eric Fredericks.
All four face elderly exploitation charges.
Reeds and Ellershaw also face kidnapping charges.
The couple lost about $189,000 within a year, authorities said.
Full Article & Source:
Daughter accused of helping to exploit parents
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
RI woman charged with financial exploitation of elderly woman
A Rock Island woman was arrested Friday after police say she took more than $5,000 from an elderly woman between 2014 and 2016.Kim Kathleen Smith, 50, is charged with unlawful financial exploitation of an elderly person, a Class 1 felony punishable by four to 15 years in prison.
Smith was arrested at 1:26 p.m. Friday in the 3400 block of 12th Street. Bond on the warrant was set at $50,000.
A criminal complaint filed in Rock Island County Circuit Court states that between Dec. 4, 2014, and Jan. 6, 2016, Smith “while standing in a position of trust and confidence” over a woman older than 80 knowingly and by deception obtained control of her property, namely money and a watch, with a value of more than $5,000.
As a part of her bond conditions, Smith was ordered to stay away from the woman and her family.
Full Article & Source:
RI woman charged with financial exploitation of elderly woman
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Tooele banker took $43K from elderly woman's account, police say
Stephanie Huber Bennett, 44, of Tooele, was arrested for investigation of 22 counts of exploitation of an elderly adult and 22 counts of forgery. Investigators believe Bennett, a teller at Zions Bank in Tooele from 2006 up until the time the alleged fraud was discovered, withdrew $43,700 since January from the account of a 90-year-old customer.
The elderly woman, "with the help of a family member, reported that after reviewing the victim’s account, suspicious withdrawals were found," according to a statement from Tooele police, who began investigating on Dec. 9.
"Zions Bank was contacted and assisted with video and other documents showing the transactions were all made by the arrestee. Zions Bank investigators found video showing the arrestee was alone in the lobby when the transactions were made," according to a probable cause statement from Tooele police. "The arrestee stated she has assisted the victim with many financial transactions."
Zions Bank released a statement saying Bennett is no longer an employee as of Dec. 10.
"We are unable to discuss specifics regarding this situation. However, we are working closely with the Tooele City Police Department in (its) investigation," according to the bank's statement.
A relative at Bennett's home Tuesday said they had no comment about the case.
"There's more financial exploitation going on in the community than people really realize," said Debbie Booth of Adult Protective Services. "With a bank employee, it makes it all the more egregious, I think as far as we're concerned, because a bank employee is usually the people that you trust."
Booth said having a conversation with elderly parents about money can be important since exploitation, particularly of older women, is common. Many times the perpetrator is a relative or friend.
"It's a really sensitive topic, but it just takes asking Mom if she's OK or asking her, 'Mom, how are your finances? Are you able to share that information with me?'" she said, adding that banks often offer services that can help family members monitor bank accounts.
"They're not necessarily on the bank account, but they can monitor things," she said.
Tooele police detectives said their investigation is ongoing to determine if there are other victims in the case. Anyone who believes there has been suspicious activity with their financial accounts can contact Toole police at 435-882-8900.
Full Article & Source:
Tooele banker took $43K from elderly woman's account, police say
Elderly financial exploitation arrests made in Joplin
JOPLIN, Mo.
Josh Harrison, 41, of Carthage and William Lovell, 29, of Liberty were arrested by Joplin police. They were taken into custody for not having a business license and property destruction. Harrison is charged with financial exploitation of the elderly. Lovell also has two Newton County warrants.
Officers say they had the woman pay $270 upfront to work on her driveway. They came back a week later and asked for another $150 to finish the project. Both men are being held in the Joplin City Jail.
Police advise people to not pay in advance, and not to pay in full until the project is completed. Also check with the city to see if your contractors are licensed and bonded.
Full Article & Source:
Elderly financial exploitation arrests made in Joplin
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Trusted Caregiver Arrested for Robbing & Exploiting Elderly Woman
Wilkerson was hired to care for Megan Laird’s mom, Helen Flader. While Laird trusted Wilkerson to care for her Mom and the family dog, Wilkerson allegedly abused that trust and stole approximately $2500 worth of Flader’s jewelry.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Laird reported the theft of approximately seventeen bracelets and one necklace stolen from her residence, located at 7254 Big Bend Drive in Spring Hill. The combined value of the stolen jewelry is approximately $2,500.00. The theft was reported to have occurred between August 17, 2015, and September 6, 2015.
On November 20, 2015, detectives interviewed Wilkerson at her current residence in Spring Hill.
During the interview, Wilkerson denied stealing any jewelry but admitted that the Flader gave her a “vintage” necklace with a “bird goddess” cameo on it.
Laird confirmed with detectives that the necklace belonged to her mother. Flader also told detectives she did not give any of her jewelry to Wilkerson. Laird insists that it was not likely her mother would have given the necklace to Wilkerson, and that Wilkerson was aware of Flader’s diminished mental capacity.
After Wilkerson was arrested yesterday, she again insisted that she did not steal any jewelry and that Flader gave her the “vintage” necklace after she expressed an interest in the necklace. Wilkerson did acknowledge that she was hired to care for Flader as she was not able to care for herself.
Wilkerson is currently free after posting $4000 bond.
In 2005, Wilkerson served two years probation for passing counterfeit bills.
Full Article & Source:
Trusted Caregiver Arrested for Robbing & Exploiting Elderly Woman
Friday, October 2, 2015
Pretrial hearings paving way for trial of Augusta woman accused of exploitation of an elderly person
An Oct. 12 trial date in Richmond County Superior Court is
set for Patsy Sheppard, 59. She has pleaded not guilty to three counts
of exploitation of an elderly person and one count of attempted
exploitation of an elderly person.
At a Tuesday afternoon hearing, attorneys sparred over
discovery issues and what evidence should be admissible at trial.
Sheppard is accused of taking more than $22,000 from the bank accounts
of Ophelia Beard last year. Beard died Dec. 23, not long after Sheppard
was indicted.
The documented evidence includes 1,300 pages of bank
documents. Defense attorney Kim Wilder complained the accusations lodged
in the indictment itself are so vague that it’s impossible to know what
acts she is supposed to defend Sheppard against.
On behalf of the state, Assistant Attorney General Lyndie
Freeman sought discovery from the defense – names and contact
information for possible witnesses and copies of any records the defense
intends to use.
While the defense has until five days before trial to
provide discovery, Freeman protested that a last minute dump of
information would leave the state at an unfair disadvantage. Judge James
G. Blanchard Jr. assured both attorneys that he would not let either
side be ambushed.
Freeman said in addition to bank records and footage of
security video from banks, she would have witnesses testify about
Beard’s state of mind last year.
One potential problem area might be Freeman’s intention to
call a bank employee who could testify that when she became suspicious
about Sheppard, she asked Beard who Sheppard was and Beard said she
didn’t know.
The hearing in the case will continue next week. The trial is expected to last for more than a week.
Pretrial hearings paving way for trial of Augusta woman accused of exploitation of an elderly person
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Man accused of exploiting elderly woman arrested
KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen |
COPPERAS COVE -Copperas Cove police have arrested a man they believe financially exploited a 77-year-old woman.
David
Mitchell, the boyfriend of the elderly woman's cleaning lady has been
arrested after police say the suspect made a total of eight unauthorized
ATM withdrawals from the victim's account.
Mitchell
who worked for the victim at the time claims he withdrew the money for
the victim and gave her the money. However, the elderly woman told
police she never received the money.
Full Article & Source:
Man accused of exploiting elderly woman arrested
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Nokomis man accused of exploitation of an elderly person
 |
| Steve Brown |
Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies say he worked for Margery Warshaw from August to December of 2014....and that he cashed 18 of Warshaw's checks totaling $21,000. Bank officials contacted the Department of Children and Families, investigators found Warshaw to be incompetent.
When it comes to avoiding a possible scam, The Jewish Family and Children Services works with seniors from around the Suncoast. On Wednesday, at the JFCS, seniors gathered to have lunch and socialize. Amongst the fellowship was one concern all the seniors share...getting older.
"We have to face reality. Yes, there are times we do need help," says Marge Martin.
Martin lives in an assisted living facility. Right now she's capable of taking care of herself, but fears what will happen if she has to have a care-giver.
"I would have concerns having someone in my home. It's an invasion of privacy," said Martin.
"Sometimes that puts off their decision to bring in the help they critically needed in order to be able to live independently," said Pamela Baron, with the JFCS.
One of the scariest possibilities is having someone else in charge of finances.
"I know exactly where my money will be going and no one else will be making that decision for me," said Alfred Koral.
To ensure his finances stay secure, Koral, has made arrangements for his children to be in charge of his money, not a potential care-giver.
"I've made advanced arrangements for all of my assets, to make sure they are equally distributed among my children and grandchildren," said Koral.
For those who need help or direction, the JFCS has councilors who can lend a hand.
"We have a number of very well run, well respected home care agency's," said Baron.
They do not, however, suggest any private care-givers. They say the assurance of a reputable company far out ways the possibility of being scammed.
Having spent the last 5 years being his wife's care-giver as her health declined, Koral is not taking any chances.
"I know well the role of a care-taker from giving. I haven't been receiving yet but I'm not looking forward to that event," said Koral.
Full Article & Source:
Nokomis man accused of exploitation of an elderly person
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