Amato Bill Protecting Seniors and Veterans from Identity Theft Passes Senate

by Carmen Amato 

Legislation sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-Ocean) to increase criminal penalties for identity theft crimes committed against senior citizens and veterans was approved by the New Jersey Senate. Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre have introduced the companion bill, A-1749. 

S-1526 strengthens penalties for individuals who steal personal identifying information from these vulnerable populations or target records maintained by retirement communities, nursing homes, and veterans' facilities.

"Identity theft can devastate a person's finances, reputation, and sense of security, and seniors and veterans are often among the most vulnerable targets," said Senator Amato. "My legislative district is home to a large population of seniors who have worked their entire lives to build financial stability. They deserve stronger protections and the assurance that New Jersey's laws will hold criminals accountable when they prey on vulnerable residents."

Under the bill, identity theft offenses involving senior citizens or veterans would be elevated to higher-degree crimes, resulting in tougher penalties and longer potential prison sentences. The bill also increases penalties for individuals who unlawfully obtain, manufacture, or distribute personal identifying information taken from records maintained by retirement and long-term care facilities, as well as veterans' facilities. 

The legislation has bipartisan support with Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen, Passaic) as Second Prime Sponsor.

Read the full text of the bill online.

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Amato Bill Protecting Seniors and Veterans from Identity Theft Passes Senate  

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 

Church Point caretaker accused of using elderly person’s card at Lafayette Parish jail

by: Scott Yoshonis

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A Church Point woman has been arrested and accused of using the bank card of the elderly person under her care to buy things at the Lafayette Parish jail, authorities said.

Paris Chavis, 39, of Church Point, is charged with one count of exploitation of the elderly or persons with infirmities and 19 counts of identity theft.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives said Chavis, who was employed as the victim’s caretaker, used the victim’s bank card to make 19 purchases through an inmate communications service at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Chavis was booked into the jail and released on $5,000 bond, online records show. 

No other information was released. The investigation remains ongoing. 

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Church Point caretaker accused of using elderly person’s card at Lafayette Parish jail 

Charleston man accused of defrauding elderly couple of $48K, records say

by STAFF REPORTS

Records say 49-year-old Preston Tyrell Hugle is accused of defrauding an elderly couple. (WVDCR)

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — A Kanawha County man accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly couple was arrested Monday, deputies said.

Preston Tyrell Hugle, 49, of Charleston has been charged with three counts of fraud and related activity in connection with an access device, credit card fraud, computer fraud, identity theft, burglary, petit larceny, grand larceny and financial exploitation of an elderly person, protected person or incapacitated adult, according to jail records.

In August 2025, detectives began investigating a fraudulent bank account, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

The complaint said transactions and transfers took $48,000 from an elderly couple.

According to investigators, video from a neighbor’s doorbell camera appears to show Hugle tampering the victims’ mailbox around the time a fraudulent debit card was activated.

Records said a review of surveillance footage appears to show Hugle using a stolen credit card at multiple businesses in Charleston.

Hugle is awaiting court proceedings inside South Central Regional Jail. 

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Charleston man accused of defrauding elderly couple of $48K, records say 

Fake nurse worked at multiple hospitals in L.A. County, police say

by: Travis Schlepp

(KTLA) — Police have arrested a woman who they say has been posing as a nurse and working at hospitals throughout Los Angeles County without a license.

The Burbank Police Department announced Thursday that Amanda Leeann Porter, 44, of Virginia, allegedly posed as a registered nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and oversaw dozens of patients for an entire month.

Porter does not hold a nursing license and is currently on federal probation for a fraud conviction in her home state, police said.

She was hired by the Catholic hospital back in April under a false identity. From April 8 to May 8, she oversaw as many as 60 patients before her colleagues discovered she was impersonating a real nurse who lived out of the state.

Amanda Leeann Porter, 44, of Virginia, is shown in this mugshot provided by the Burbank Police Department on Nov. 14, 2024.

She was eventually fired, but not before collecting two paychecks for her fraudulent employment, officials said.

Porter was arrested last week after she was released from custody for allegedly pulling the same stunt at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita. Investigators said she’s obtained employment with several hospitals using false identities.

Both hospitals released statements to KTLA in which they stated Porter was terminated immediately after the truth about her identity and qualifications was revealed.

She was under a probationary phase of her employment and was under the supervision of a qualified training nurse during her time at both hospitals. Neither health care facility believed the care she administered during her brief time on their payrolls was inadequate, officials said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed multiple felony charges against her, officials said, including identity theft, false impersonation, and grand theft.

She’s currently being held without bail at the Los Angeles County Central Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood.

She is due to appear in Burbank Municipal Court on Dec. 2, jail records show.

Investigators believe Porter may have committed similar crimes throughout Southern California over the last year, and anyone with information is urged to contact Burbank PD Detective Arias at 818-238-3210.

Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.

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Fake nurse worked at multiple hospitals in L.A. County, police say

NYC doorman accused of stealing $478K from elderly tenant after she moved into nursing home

By David Propper

An Upper West Side doorman is accused of stealing nearly $480,000 from a retired teacher and her husband after the woman moved into a nursing home and later died — once disguising his voice to sound like hers as part of the shifty scheme, Manhattan prosecutors said.

Alfredo Mateo, 38, allegedly started preying on the woman while she was under a court-ordered guardianship due to incapacitation while her spouse still lived at their apartment at 380 Riverside Drive before he died in September 2022.

The day after his death, Mateo, of Yonkers, began depositing the first of 26 checks he swiped from the teacher, writing most of the checks to himself from the victim’s bank account, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office alleged.

He also allegedly stole $3,000 from the husband’s account.

Alfredo Mateo is arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court Wednesday. Pool Photo/Curtis Means

While draining the couple’s coffers, he then allegedly schemed to take money from the teacher’s annuity and pension that she earned from her service as a city educator.

Mateo dug through a teachers’ retirement form mailed to the apartment that her personal information was on to submit five false forms to the retirement system between May 5, 2023 and Oct. 12, 2023, prosecutors said.

Two of the forms were even submitted after the teacher died in July 2023 that led to the payout of her annuity and sought to switch her direct deposit to Mateo’s bank account, according to the district attorney’s office.

He also is accused of stealing several pension checks that were sent to the teacher after she died.

Mateo tried twice calling the Teachers’ Retirement System to switch the phone number on her membership, and after failing the first time, attempted to change his voice to sound like the woman, who was 91 at the time, according to prosecutors.

Overall, Mateo allegedly stole a whopping $477,685, prosecutors said.

The doorman is accused of stealing nearly $480,000. Gabriella Bass

“Those who take advantage of the access entrusted in them to target older community members and steal from hardworking New Yorkers will be held accountable,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.

Mateo is facing seven felony counts, including second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of stolen property, first-degree identity theft, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and related charges, the district attorney’s office said. 

Attempts to reach Mateo on Wednesday night were unsuccessful. His lawyer, James Magee, did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

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NYC doorman accused of stealing $478K from elderly tenant after she moved into nursing home

Woman facing 93 charges involving financial exploitation of elderly

Pitt County deputies on Tuesday arrested 42-year-old Dekedriya Maye.(Pitt County Sheriff's Office)

By WITN Web Team

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A Simpson woman is facing nearly 100 charges after deputies began investigating claims of financial exploitation of an elderly Pitt County resident.

Pitt County deputies on Tuesday arrested 42-year-old Dekedriya Maye. She is charged with 31 counts of identity theft, 31 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, and 31 counts of financial exploitation of an elder by a person in a position of trust.

The total amount involved was $1,800 and took place over a three-month period late last year.

Maye remains in jail on a $300,000 secured bond.

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Woman facing 93 charges involving financial exploitation of elderly

Former Arc of NEPA employee charged for nearly $8,000 in benefits theft

A 32-year-old woman from Wilkes-Barre faces charges for financial exploitation

Author: Joe Kohut

SCRANTON, Pa. — A former employee from the Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County fraudulently used a resident's benefits card to the tune of nearly $8,000, state police at Dunmore said.

Amanda Marie Quick, 32, is charged with financial exploitation of a care dependent person, identity theft and other related offenses.

Quick, of Wilkes-Barre, abruptly quit in January. Weeks earlier, staff noticed resident Kenneth Allen's EBT card went missing and started investigating, according to a police affidavit. 

They took a look into Allen's financial statements. Staff found questionable charges over a two year period around Wilks-Barre and Philadelphia. 

State police interviewed Quick, a former Arc employee, who admitted she did Allen's shopping. She told them those purchases were made on Allen's but she could not provide receipts for nearly $8,000 in transactions using Allen's EBT card. 

Arc policy requires that employees submit receipts for purchases made with a resident's EBT card.

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Former Arc of NEPA employee charged for nearly $8,000 in benefits theft

62-year-old man charged with elder abuse in Haralson County, sheriff’s office says

Kenneth Wayne Kimball(ANF)

By Atlanta News First staff

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A 62-year-old man is facing multiple charges after abusing an elder person, according to the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office.

62-year-old Kenneth Wayne Kimball was charged with exploitation of an elder person, identity theft and financial transaction card fraud, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies opened an investigation following a report of financial exploitation and identity theft targeting an elderly person in September 2023. The victim’s family provided evidence to authorities, including financial records, showing a consistent pattern of unauthorized credit card usage and purchases made in the victim’s name without consent from their power of attorney, the sheriff’s office said.

“I commend the family for being so proactive and protective of their loved one. Crimes against the elderly are a bane to our society. Those who prey on our seniors’ citizens must be held accountable for their actions,” said Sheriff Stacy Williams.

Kimball is facing multiple charges including exploitation of an elder person, identity theft, and financial transaction card fraud, the sheriff’s office said.

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62-year-old man charged with elder abuse in Haralson County, sheriff’s office says

Local care company accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from elderly woman

Court documents accuse both Mark and Tyice Strahl of using 85-year-old Pat Holley as their personal piggy bank.

Author: Kyle Simchuk

SPOKANE, Wash. — An elderly woman was shocked and sickened to learn the people hired to help her are accused of stealing more than $150,000 from her bank account.

Court documents accuse both Mark and Tyice Strahl of using an 85-year-old as their personal piggy bank. Both figures are well known in Spokane's elderly care community.

The 85-year-old woman, Pat Holley, is in assisted living, and needs help. Before his death, Holley's husband hired a Spokane company called Lifestage. The Strahls founded the company, according to their website, and for the past few years, they made sure Holley's bills were paid on time. They also took her to doctor appointments, even the casino.

"They would bring some groceries in like crackers and light weight things," Holley said. "They were really nice to me."

So nice, in fact, that Holley says she let them use her car. But, when she tried to sell it to a family member, things got strange.

"They didn't want to give up the car, so then my intuition just told something more was going on," said Bonnie Gow, Holley's former ombudsman. Gow serves as a volunteer advocate for the elderly.

Gow asked Holley to call her bank and read off recent transactions. They were both shocked by what they found.

"My intuition just said there was something more to it, because she didn't have one bank statement at all," Gow said. "There was nothing."

Gow found out Mark and Tyice had taken $25,000 the previous year from January to the end of April. That's when she turned them in, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.

The Department of Social and Health Services conducted a forensic audit of Holley's finances. So did law graduates at Gonzaga University.

"And they both came up with the same amount, which was $165,000," Gow said.

Court documents say the Strahls created false documents, forged checks, tricked Holley into placing them on her checking account, overcharged for services and withdrew cash for their own personal gain.

"They were really nice people to me until I found out they were taking my money out of the bank," Holley said.

According to court documents, casino records show a large amount of the stolen money was used to gamble.

"It just isn't right that they should take your money that you worked for and do away with it like at the slot machines," Holley said. "I know it's fun."

The Strahls were arrested on Aug. 31 and charged with theft from a vulnerable adult and identity theft.

Holley wants her money back.

"Oh yes, wouldn't you?," Holley said. "I mean anybody would."

She will need it in a few years when her long-term care insurance expires.

"I got four more years I can stay here,"Holley said. "Then I move out, if I live that long."

"I think I came into her life for a reason," Gow said.  "I think I was meant to."

Gow wants Holley's story to serve as a warning.

"It's just really important to look at their bank statements, their bills, make sure everything checks out," Gow said.

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Local care company accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from elderly woman

TBI: 6 indicted on slew of charges including identity theft, financially exploiting the elderly

The TBI uncovered clients were paying for insurance policies they did not want or authorize.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced they were working with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to determine the cause of a deadly house fire in Luttrell.(TBI)

By Caleb Wethington

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Six people are facing a slew of charges following an investigation into insurance-related theft in Sumner County by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The TBI said in March 2020 the investigation was launched by the TBI, along with assistance from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

During the investigation, Johnny Ray Jackson, of Gallatin, a former insurance agent whose license was revoked in 1999, was found to have continued to operate a business in Gallatin called Senior Health and Wealth Marketing, as well as other multiple names over the years. Jackson employed several people, some of whom were licensed insurance agents in Tennessee.

Through further investigation, the TBI uncovered clients were paying for insurance policies they did not want or authorize.

“On October 4th, the Sumner County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Jackson and five other people with charges ranging from conspiracy, identify theft, financial exploitation of the elderly, and money laundering,” the TBI said.

The following individuals have been charged and booked into the Sumner County Jail:

• Johnny Ray Jackson, Gallatin: One count Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, 47 counts of Identity Theft, three counts of Money Laundering, two counts of Theft of Property greater than $10,000, and one count of Financial Exploitation of the Elderly. Bond: $100,000.
• Claude Douglas Jennings, Jr., Lebanon: One count Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, 27 counts Identity Theft. Bond: $100,000.
• Timothy Earl Bennett, Lebanon: One count Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, 25 counts Identity Theft. Bond: $100,000.
• Cooper Everett Jackson, Gallatin: One count Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, five counts Identity Theft. Bond: $10,000.
• Stephen Dustin McDole, Bowling Green, KY: One count Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property, one count Identity Theft. Bond: $100,000.
• Courtney Wilson Beck, Mulga, AL: One count Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Property. Bond: $10,000.
  

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TBI: 6 indicted on slew of charges including identity theft, financially exploiting the elderly

She was supposed to be caring for a dying woman. Police say she was stealing from her instead.

by Aaron Sánchez-Guerra 

A woman is accused of defrauding and stealing thousands of dollars and more from a dying elderly woman in her care, Durham authorities said Thursday.

Betsy Lauren Robertson, a 35-year-old health aide from Burlington, was charged with eight counts of obtaining property by false pretense, exploitation of a disabled or elderly person and identity theft after the elderly woman’s family discovered items were missing from a home.

The family of Karen Rogers learned about the missing items, including jewelry and checks from her bank account, after Rogers died in May, according to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.

Thousands of dollars were missing from Rogers’ checking account during the time she was under the Robertson’s care.

Missing checks also led them to discover that money was missing from Rogers’ account.

Sheriff’s Office investigators found that Robertson allegedly used Rogers’ financial information to access her bank account and make several transactions.

Investigators said Robertson applied for multiple credit accounts using the dead woman’s information.

Robertson was also recently charged by Durham police with felony larceny from a healthcare client, authorities said.

Robertson posted a $5,000 bond.

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She was supposed to be caring for a dying woman. Police say she was stealing from her instead.

Senior Exploitation Uncovered: Oakland Caretaker Arrested for Stealing Thousands

By Tony Ng

Jamaika Tyasia Wallace, a 27-year-old caretaker, was arrested for a shocking case of exploitation of an elderly individual in Alameda County.

According to the Alameda County DA reports, Wallace is facing multiple charges, including elder theft, unauthorized use of an account, theft of access card data, grand theft, and identity theft.

The case comes to light following the arrest of Jamaika Wallace by the Berkeley Police Department on August 10, 2023.

Wallace is accused of stealing a total of $6,154 from an 80-year-old woman whom she had been providing care for, per a tweet by Henry Lee KTVU.

Court records show that at the time of her arrest, Wallace was using the victim's debit card without permission.

As efforts to combat elder abuse continue, Wallace's arrest serves as a stark reminder of the unfortunate reality that many vulnerable seniors face. 

With an arraignment scheduled for August 14, 2023, at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, more details of the case are expected to emerge as the investigation proceeds. 

If convicted, Wallace could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and restitution fees.

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Senior Exploitation Uncovered: Oakland Caretaker Arrested for Stealing Thousands

Florida Man Exploits Elderly WV Man with Dementia, Stealing Over $2 Million

By Jared Hefner

A man from Florida has been charged with exploiting an elderly man in Jefferson County, West Virginia, who suffer from dementia, and stealing over $2 million from him. Samuel Bunner, aged 50 and from Spring Hill, Florida, has been indicted on charges including wire and bank fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.

The alleged exploitation occurred after Bunner and the victim became friends while working together at the American Legion in Charles Town. The victim appointed Bunner as his power of attorney, granting him control over his financial accounts. Over the course of two years, it is alleged that Bunner sold the victim’s real estate, depleted his bank accounts and investments, and even opened a credit card in the victim’s name. He and his wife then used the stolen funds to purchase real estate, vehicles, luxury items, and took vacations.

The victim, who suffered from cognitive impairments, relied on Bunner for assistance with medical appointments. Bill Ihlenfeld, the U.S. Attorney for West Virginia’s Northern District, expressed sadness over the situation, stating, “This is a sad story about someone who worked hard his whole life, saved his money, and then when he began to suffer from cognitive decline, had everything stolen by an opportunist. We will continue to do everything we can to protect older West Virginians from schemes such as this.”

Both the FBI and the IRS Criminal Investigation unit are currently conducting an investigation into the case. The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida, and FBI-Tampa have also provided assistance with the matter.

Prosecutors are urging anyone who wishes to report fraud against elderly individuals to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or send an email to wvfraud@fbi.gov.

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Florida Man Exploits Elderly WV Man with Dementia, Stealing Over $2 Million

Woman charged with identity theft in 10 states, stealing over $350,000

A woman has been arrested for the second time for allegedly participating in an identity theft scheme, stealing more than $350,000 from victims, authorities said.

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Woman charged with identity theft in 10 states, stealing over $350,000

Former caretaker from St. Marys accused of stealing client's money, identity

By Brianne Fleming

ST. MARYS — A St. Marys woman is facing charges after she allegedly used the identity of a care-dependent client to open a credit card and withdraw funds from the victim’s bank account.

Tiffany Jane Thomas, 42, is charged with accessing a device issued to another person who did not authorize its use, a first-degree misdemeanor; two counts of financial exploitation of older adult or care-dependent person; two counts of identity theft and two counts of theft by unlawful taking –moveable property, according to a criminal complaint filed at Magisterial District Judge Mark Jacob’s office Nov. 21.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, City of St. Marys Police received a call from the victim in this case on Oct. 7 concerning alleged fraud and identity theft.

Between May-October 2022, Thomas — who was employed as the caretaker of an older, care-dependent person — allegedly stole the victim’s information, including their driver’s license and social security number, using the information to open a credit card and make a cash withdraw from the victim’s bank account, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

The investigation revealed that in May 2022, Thomas did allegedly open a Capital One credit card using the victim’s name, date of birth and social security number. She secured $290.26 in charges on the card, and reportedly attempted to make several credit increases using the victim’s identity information.

In October 2022, Thomas also allegedly used the victim’s driver’s license, which was stolen at an earlier date, at a drive-thru of a bank in Clearfield to make a $400 withdraw from the victim’s bank account. Thomas was later found to allegedly be in possession of the victim’s driver’s license, as well as other financial documents, valued at $30, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

The total restitution requested is $720.26.

Thomas’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13 at Jacob’s office.

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Former caretaker from St. Marys accused of stealing client's money, identity

Man arrested after mother-in-law’s body found buried in flower bed, officials say

Gregory Tanner is charged with theft of property, forgery, financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person, identity theft and abuse of a corpse.(Action News 5/SCSO)

By Shyra Sherfield and Emily Van de Riet

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – A man is facing charges in connection with the death of his 83-year-old mother-in-law whose body was found buried in her own garden.

According to an affidavit, Rebecca Seay was reported missing on Feb. 18 after caseworkers were unable to get in touch with her following her release from the hospital. Seay was diagnosed with dementia and was last seen leaving the hospital on Jan. 22 with her son-in-law, 59-year-old Gregory Tanner.

Investigators say her body was found on March 3 in the flower bed of her rental property, wrapped in sheets next to a black box of ashes labeled “High Point Funeral Home, David Seay.” David is Seay’s deceased son.

A cause of death has not been released.

According to an affidavit, Rebecca Seay was reported missing on Feb. 18 after caseworkers were unable to get in touch with her following her release from the hospital.(TBI)

On March 2, investigators were reportedly notified of suspicious activity regarding Seay’s bank accounts that were not related to her care. Between Jan. 7 and March 7, Tanner allegedly made $24,600 in unauthorized purchases on gambling sites that matched player records under his name.

It was also found that $80,800 in checks were forged and negotiated by Tanner into his personal bank accounts, according to the affidavit.

The total loss was $105,409.

Tanner is charged with theft of property, forgery, financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable person, identity theft and abuse of a corpse.

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Man arrested after mother-in-law’s body found buried in flower bed, officials say

Wendy Williams’ Attorney Accuses Wells Fargo of ‘Improprieties,’ Identity Theft After Financial Guardian Is Appointed

The talk show host has been in dispute with Wells Fargo for months

by Sharon Knolle

Wendy Williams (The Wendy Williams Show)

An attorney for Wendy Williams has accused Wells Fargo of “improprieties” including identity theft after a New York judge appointed a financial guardian over the talk show host’s finances on Thursday.

It’s the latest development in the battle that began with Wells Fargo freezing Williams’ bank accounts in February and requesting a hearing from the New York Supreme Court to determine if the TV personality could legally be considered an “incapacitated person.” In March, a temporary guardian was appointed, despite attorney La’Shawn Thomas’ insistence that her client is of sound mind.

“Please be advised that Wendy is not in agreement with the appointment of a financial guardian by the court. Wendy has been very clear that she does not want a financial guardian to tell her what she can and cannot do with her money, Wendy feels that she is capable of hiring her own financial advisors who work for and report to her and not to the court,” Thomas told TheWrap on Friday. 

Turning the tables and calling out the financial institution, Thomas added, “We believe that this story has been put forth in an attempt to lessen the public outcry and regulatory scrutiny mounting around Wells Fargo due to their actions. We have complaints pending before multiple regulatory bodies regarding the improprieties surrounding this case, from a breach of the patient-doctor privilege to identity theft and we will of course be working with Wendy should she decide to appeal the court’s decisions.”

A representative for the bank declined to comment on Friday, but told TheWrap back in February, “Wells Fargo’s priority is the financial well-being of Ms. Williams and the preservation of her privacy. As we have expressed to the Court, Wells Fargo is open to working with Ms. Williams’ counsel to release funds directly to her creditors for bills historically and regularly paid from her accounts.”

In a March phone interview with “Good Morning America,” Williams said she was “absolutely” of sound mind. When asked why people might believe she was not, Williams explained, “Well, you know when people want control of their accounts, they say anything, including something crazy like that about me.”

In February, Sherri Shepherd was named as Williams’ replacement on her syndicated daytime talk show. Due to ill health, Williams was unable to carry on hosting “The Wendy Williams Show,” which is now in its 13th season.

After the 2016 revelation that Wells Fargo had created millions of fake bank accounts for customers without their knowledge, the Federal Reserve took the unprecedented move in 2018 of limiting the bank’s assets and also demanded resignations from the Wells Fargo board. “We cannot tolerate pervasive and persistent misconduct at any bank,” Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in a statement at the time.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported the financial guardian appointment.

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Wendy Williams’ Attorney Accuses Wells Fargo of ‘Improprieties,’ Identity Theft After Financial Guardian Is Appointed

Former Olathe nursing home employee charged with mistreating elder person, identity theft

Nursing home employee charged with mistreating elderly

 

By: Andres Gutierrez , Jack Anstine

OLATHE, Kan. — KSHB 41 News usually doesn't show mugshots anymore, but its doing so in this case because the 39-year-old suspect faces a slew of charges that involve stealing from the elderly.

On Monday, the Johnson County District Attorney's Office stated their investigation isn't over and are encouraging other victims to come forward.

Patrica Ann Myler is charged with seven counts of mistreatment of an elder person, six counts of identity theft and three counts of computer crime targeting elderly residents at an Olathe nursing home, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office

Beginning in March of 2019, Myler oversaw billing at the Villa St. Francis Nursing Home in Olathe.

During which time, the Johnson County District Attorney says she targeted elderly clients with a variety of crimes.

Her former boss says when Myler resigned in Dec. 2020, his team discovered thousands of dollars were improperly routed and they notified authorities.

"The billing should have gone to the state or through villa and that it was not done that way," Rodney Whittington, CEO of Villa St. Francis Nursing Home said in a phone interview Monday.

It was not only a shock but also an alert to review oversight.

"If you have ultimate authority and access then and you choose to abuse that, then it could happen that we continue to strengthen our processes re-examine it," Myler said.

Before Villa St. Francis, the Johnson County District Attorney says Myler was employed at AdventHealth Care Center in Overland Park at 6501 West 75th St. from June 2018 to February 2019.

A spokesperson for AdventHealth referred inquiries pertaining to the former employee to the Johnson County District Attorney's Office who wants to hear from residents who have may noticed any financial irregularities during the time Myler worked at either facility.

Myler was arrested for the alleged crimes after a collaborative investigation by the Kansas Department of Children and Families' Adult Protective Services division, the Olathe Police Department and the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

"Our older adults feel a lot of shame, a lot of embarrassment when these situations occur," Chrisy Khatib, with the Kansas Department for Children and Families said.

Almost a quarter of the cases Kansas DCF investigated last year involve financial exploitation of the elderly.

There are some red flags loved ones should watch out for.

"Are bills being paid on time? Are there additional people being added to signature cards? Are there large transactions missing? Large transactions meaning large money transactions being removed from bank accounts?" Khatib said

The AARP believes elder finance abuse is a growing threat that is largely under-reported.

"You know, sometimes people don't know they're being taken advantage of financially," Mary Tritsch with AARP Kansas said. "It may just be because they don't pay attention to their finances. Or maybe there's some cognitive problems impairments happening."

Usually learning about it in the first place begins with having an honest conversation.

"Just questions and make sure if you're a family member, that you let other family members know that you're concerned and that you're looking into it so that they don't think you're part of the problem," Tritsch said. "But it's really asking questions."

If you suspect your loved one to be victim of fraud in Kansas you call the Johnson County District Attorney’s "White Collar Crime" hotline at (913) 715-3140 or the Kansas Protection Report center at 1-800-922-5330.

Myler posted bond via Heartland Bail Bonds Monday evening after making her first appearance earlier in the day, according to court records.

Her attorney, Brandan Davies, released a statement to KSHB 41 News.

"We are at the initial steps of the legal process with Ms. Myler’s case. Our firm is doing an investigation into the allegations against Ms. Myler. Currently, the case is in litigation and we cannot comment further on a pending matter," Davies wrote in an e-mail

Another hearing is set in Myler's case on Feb. 17 at 9:00 a.m. in Division 3 at the Johnson County Courthouse. 

 

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Former Olathe nursing home employee charged with mistreating elder person, identity theft

Woman facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly residents where she worked

by Zoe Brown, Emily Rittman

A woman is facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly people in Johnson County while she was working at two facilities.

OLATHE, KS (KCTV) -- A woman is facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly people in Johnson County.

According to a release from District Attorney Steve Howe's office, 39-year-old Patricia Ann Myler has been charged with: 

• Seven counts of mistreatment of an elder person
• Six counts of identity theft
• Three counts of computer crime targeting elderly residents at Villa St. Francis Nursing Home in Olathe while employed there

Court records show she is accused of stealing more than $25,000 but less than $100,000 from three victims, and more than $1,500 but less than $25,000 from three other victims. In one incident, she is accused of stealing less than $1,500 from one victim.

According to the release, Myler was identified as having worked at: 

• The AdventHealth Care Center located at 6501 W. 75th St. in Overland Park from June 2018 until February 2019
• Villa St. Francis located at 16600 W. 126th St in Olathe from March 2019 to December 2020

Her bond has been set at $15,000 cash or surety.

A spokesperson for the Villa St. Francis nursing homes said Myler resigned from her job. After her resignation, staff made concerning discoveries and contacted state authorities including the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The spokesperson said through insurance and company policies they were able to make the residents and their families whole. They added the nursing home has policies in place including background checks and audits to protect residents.

A spokesperson for AdventHealth sent a written statement that said, “This individual is not employed by our organization.”

Anyone who has a friend or family member who was a resident at either of the facilities mentioned during the aforementioned time periods, and who noticed financial irregularities, is asked to contact the DA's White Collar Crime hotline 913-715-3140. 

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Woman facing numerous charges for allegedly taking advantage of elderly residents where she worked