Cullman woman arrested on multiple charges including elder exploitation

by ABC 33/40 

A Cullman woman was arrested following a Grand Jury indictment on several charges, including first-degree financial exploitation of an elderly person, illegal possession of a credit or debit card, second-degree theft of property, and attempted first-degree theft of property.

The Cullman Police Department said Verna Hammons Jackson was taken into custody on Dec. 5, 2025, near Main Ave SW and Katherine St., and transported to the Cullman County Detention Center.

The police department said the arrest follows an extended investigation led by Investigator Shannon Cheatwood and Officer Kyle Foshee, who dedicated extensive hours and effort to ensure the case was successfully brought forward. 

The police department expressed appreciation to the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance and strong partnership throughout the investigation.

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Cullman woman arrested on multiple charges including elder exploitation 

Pelham man accused of stealing more than $200K from elderly relatives

by The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester

A 37-year-old Pelham man is accused of impersonating state and federal officials as part of a scheme to financially exploit his elderly relatives, state officials said.

A Hillsborough County Southern District grand jury indicted Jason Taylor on felony counts of financial exploitation of an elderly adult and theft by deception, according to a written news release from New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella.

Between April 2019 and October 2024, Taylor “used undue influence, coercion, and deception to obtain more than $200,000 from” his elderly aunt and uncle, officials said.

“As part of the scheme, Mr. Taylor allegedly convinced his relatives that they were required to make payments in connection with a nonexistent court case. To support this lie, he created fraudulent court documents and impersonated multiple officials — including United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts,” according to the AG’s release.

Taylor is also accused of fabricating documents demanding payments and threatening legal consequences. Officials said he also told the victims they were subject to a “gag order” preventing them from speaking about the case.

If convicted, Taylor faces up to 7½ to 15 years in state prison and a $4,000 fine for each charge. Taylor is scheduled to be arraigned on July 10.

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, contact your local police department or the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, at 800-949-0470. 

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Pelham man accused of stealing more than $200K from elderly relatives 

Family of man who died from septic shock files lawsuit against Whetstone Care Center

COLUMBUS (WCMH) -- A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in connection with a case of alleged patient neglect at the Whetstone Care Center. James Chandler died as a result of septic shock at the nursing home on March 5, 2017 at the age of 57.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges that patient neglect led Chandler to develop a massive bedsore.

Chandler’s sister, Melisa Pierson, says the family was shocked to learn the severity of the bedsore. “You’re trusting where they’re at that they’re getting the care that they need,” Pierson said. “We didn’t have any reason to believe that he wasn’t getting the care that he needed. So to find out that the bed wounds were as bad as they were, it’s just really a shock to all of us.”

Earlier this month a Franklin County grand jury indicted three nurses from the Whetstone Care Center on charges of involuntary manslaughter, gross patient neglect and patient neglect as a result of failing to get the patient timely medical treatment. The three nurses are Sandra Blazer, Jessica Caldwell and Kimberly Potter. They are scheduled for a court appearance March 4.

The case was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office. "This case goes to the heart of protecting the unprotected," Attorney General Yost said earlier this month. "This man literally rotted to death.” “This is gut-wrenching for anyone who has entrusted a care facility with the well-being and safety of a loved one."

The lawsuit alleges medical negligence, wrongful death and a violation of Nursing Home Resident's Rights.

Ryan Stubenrauch, a spokesman for the nursing home, issued the following statement:

“Understandably, Mr. Chandler’s family is upset about his tragic death in 2017. We were also upset to learn that a former resident of our facility had died. However, Mr. Chandler’s death was not caused by the care he received at our facility two years ago. He passed away in the hospital after a five-day stay there after leaving our facility. As always, the health, safety, and well-being of our residents remains our number one priority.”

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Family of man who died from septic shock files lawsuit against Whetstone Care Center