Man Sentenced to Prison for Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly Ashley County Resident

by Luke Matheson

An out-of-state man was sentenced to prison following his conviction in a financial scam that targeted an elderly Ashley County resident, authorities said.

On Jan. 8, 2026, a jury found Portier Guytan guilty of charges stemming from a lottery scam involving a 76-year-old Crossett victim. Guytan was sentenced to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and fined $10,000 after Circuit Judge Robert Gibson III accepted the jury’s recommendation.

According to court testimony, the case began May 15, 2025, when Ashley County Sheriff Tommy Sturgeon learned the victim had been contacted by individuals claiming he had won an $11 million Jamaican lottery. The callers instructed the victim to send $50,000 to collect the winnings.

Before law enforcement intervened, the victim had already sent approximately $30,000 and was preparing to deliver the remaining funds during a scheduled exchange at Brookshire’s in Crossett. Deputies set up surveillance on May 16, 2025, and observed Guytan accept a bag containing $27,000 in cash from the victim in exchange for a briefcase purported to contain the lottery proceeds.

Deputies intercepted Guytan immediately after the exchange. Investigators later determined the briefcase contained only printer paper.

Guytan told authorities he was originally from Trinidad and had been living in Massachusetts when he was paid $3,000 to transport money and deliver it to Jamaica. He admitted placing the paper inside the briefcase and acknowledged involvement in a prior exchange, but testified he could not identify the individual he claimed to be working for.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sandra Bradshaw thanked the jury following the verdict, saying the outcome sent a clear message that financial crimes will not be tolerated in Ashley County.

“This conviction underscores that criminals who exploit vulnerable citizens will be held accountable,” Bradshaw said.

Officials said the case highlights the ongoing efforts of the 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office to combat elder fraud. Sheriff Sturgeon noted that lottery and sweepstakes scams are common and difficult to investigate due to their international nature. He added that many victims fail to report the crimes out of embarrassment.

Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain said similar scams have plagued the United States for more than a decade.

“The Jamaican Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam has targeted vulnerable individuals for over 15 years,” Spain said. “The Federal Trade Commission issued warnings about this type of fraud as early as 2009. This conviction sends a strong message that this exploitation will not be tolerated.”

Spain urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers promising large payouts in exchange for fees or taxes, noting such demands typically continue until the victim’s funds are exhausted.

Authorities also warned of other common elder fraud schemes identified by the FBI, including romance scams, tech support scams, grandparent scams, government impersonation scams, home repair scams, and caregiver exploitation.

More information on elder fraud and how to avoid scams can be found on the FBI’s website at fbi.gov. 

Full Article & Source:
Man Sentenced to Prison for Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly Ashley County Resident 

Financial advisor convicted of exploitation of elderly adult

By David Beasley

(The Center Square) – Sentencing of 10 years is mandatory for a licensed financial advisor in Florida convicted by a jury of defrauding someone age 65 or older out of $152,600.

In Pinellas County, Matthew Vincent Muratori was found guilty of exploitation of an elderly adult; criminal use of personal identification information; grand theft from a person 65 years of age or older; and organized scheme to defraud, the state attorney general’s office said.

Muratori transferred the money out of his client’s account through a series of cash app and Venmo transactions, according to Attorney General James Uthmeier.

“He further used the victim’s personal identification information to impersonate the victim in phone calls to a financial institution and gain unauthorized access to financial accounts,” a release says.

“This wasn’t just theft – it was betrayal,” Uthmeier said. “This con artist abused his position of trust to drain a vulnerable Floridian’s life savings, and it’s unacceptable. This guilty verdict is a victory for our statewide prosecutors, the Office of Financial Regulation, and the people of Florida.”

Sentencing is set for Sept. 25.

Florida Office of Financial Regulation investigated the case, with help from the New York office of the federal Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Elderly people are often targeted for financial crimes because of the perception that they have plenty of money in the bank, according to the National Council on Aging.

“But it’s not just wealthy older Americans who are targeted,” the agency said, “Older adults with low income are also at risk for fraud.”

Many victims are embarrassed to report the crimes and tough to prosecute.

“However, these scams can be especially devastating for older adults whose ability to recover their losses is limited,” the council said. 

Full Article & Source:
Financial advisor convicted of exploitation of elderly adult 

FOX5 Investigates Update: Las Vegas woman sentenced for exploiting elderly neighbor

By Lisa Sturgis

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — It’s the final chapter in a case of fraud FOX5 Investigates first told you about in January. Tuesday, a judge sentenced a Las Vegas Valley woman to a much stiffer penalty than typical for exploiting her elderly neighbor and taking everything he owned.

“We have a situation here where you signed legal documents with a power of attorney you never should have had in the first place, where you ran up credit cards, where you stole identity, where your sold a trailer, or mobile home, knowing that it was not yours to sell and planning on keeping the money, so this is a long process of weeks or months,” said Clark County District Court Judge Crystal Eller in addressing Ursula “Bobbi” Lichtenstein.

Judge Eller took prosecutors’ recommendations and sentenced Lichtenstein to nine months in jail plus two years’ probation.

Lichtenstein pleaded guilty to elderly exploitation in May. She sold Robert Cartagena’s mobile home after gaining financial power of attorney. She also disposed of his belongings and drained his bank accounts, leaving him in what his neighbors called hospice care.

Robert Dekken, the manager of the Las Vegas Jaycees Senior Community Park, contacted FOX5 Investigates after Cartagena disappeared from the park, only to surface in the long-term care facility weeks later. More than a year after that, police arrested Lichtenstein, and the Clark County District Attorney’s Office moved forward with an aggressive prosecution. However, they found their sentencing options limited.

“It’s shocking that in Nevada, there is a shocking amount of unlimited money that you can steal from anyone, whether it’s an elderly person or a vulnerable person, any private citizen, anyone, you can steal $50 million from someone, go to trial, get convicted, and it’s still a probational offense,” said the prosecutor.

And the amount stolen from Cartagena was not the only offense of which her neighbors accused her.

“She’s been a persistent threat to the safety, well-being, and integrity of our entire community. She’s harassed staff and residents, manipulated elderly individuals into giving her financial power of attorney over them, and has inserted herself repeatedly into medical emergencies under the guise of helping when in truth her form of help has led to financial control and asset theft,” Dekken told the court.

Residents reported conflicts with Liechtenstein even after the courts ordered her to stay away.

“Ms. Lichtenstein was originally remanded into custody in Justice Court for violating the terms of her release flagrantly and offensively, shockingly offensively,” said the prosecutor. “She refuses to follow any orders given by any court while she’s out of custody. All she had to do was be nice, be nice and avoid the residents of the mobile home park, and she couldn’t do that, she refused.”

Dekken told the court that, at times, it got ugly.

“She has threatened my life on multiple occasions. Blocked me in with her car, I have video of that, pretending to have a weapon by placing both hands in her pockets, attempting to provoke a reaction from me,” he said. “Since I initiated the investigation into Ms. Lichtenstein, she has filed multiple retaliatory complaints against me with Nevada Manufactured Housing and contacted my employer repeatedly in an attempt to have me terminated.”

Multiple former neighbors addressed the court, asking the judge to impose a harsher sentence and to keep Lichtenstein out of their park.

When given a chance to speak, the defendant again denied the accusations despite having entered a guilty plea. The prosecutor noted, she did not offer any apology.

“This is a woman who believes that anything she can get her hands on belongs to her and again feels no remorse for her decisions,” the prosecutor told the court.

Lichtenstein’s attorney argued against jail time, citing positive references from some of her former neighbors, although they did not appear in court on her behalf. The defense also questioned what would be accomplished by jailing a 76-year-old woman. However, Lichtenstein will spend the next nine months in the Clark County Detention Center. 

Meanwhile, Cartagena continues to live in the mobile home park. He’s staying with his estranged wife because the sale of his previous home could not be reversed. He’s awaiting restitution for the $57,000 Lichtenstein admits to taking from his bank accounts.

Dekken says, at one point, the stress from this incident prompted his wife to urge him to quit his job. He’s still overseeing the park and hopes today’s sentencing will afford him and his residents the peace they’ve been seeking for years. 

Full Article & Source:
FOX5 Investigates Update: Las Vegas woman sentenced for exploiting elderly neighbor 

Earlville man sentenced to 6 years in prison for stealing $1.2M from person with dementia

By Eric Schelkopf

July 28, 2025 at 6:00 am CDT

A former financial advisor has been sentenced in Kendall County to six years in prison after pleading guilty to financially exploiting an elderly client over several years.

Kendall County Judge Jody Gleason on July 22 handed down the sentence. In April, Bradley Goodbred, 57, formerly of Plano and whose residence is listed as Earlville, entered a blind plea to financial exploitation of an elderly person, which is a felony.

The matter then proceeded to a contested sentencing hearing in front of Gleason, according to a news release from Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis.

In 2022, Goodbred was charged with the theft of more than $1.2 million from an elderly client over eight years. According to the original federal court filing against Goodbred, the victim had dementia and was 97 at the time Goodbred was charged.

“The elderly can, at times, be one of the most vulnerable segments of society as they can feel helpless and ashamed in these types of crimes,” Weis said following the sentence. “Without the commitment of all agencies involved to the protection of the public, the victim of this crime would not have seen justice. The court in sentencing the defendant to prison sends a message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated in Kendall County.”

In January 2021, the court-appointed guardian of the victim reported to the Yorkville Police Department that Goodbred had been taking advantage of the elder victim over a period of time, Weis said in the release.

During the investigation into the case, Yorkville police learned that Goodbred had been a financial planner and advisor to the victim when he was working at LPL Financial. In June 2010, there was a financial power of attorney signed appointing Goodbred as the victim’s power of attorney, according to the release.

Goodbred had an additional company and persuaded the victim to “invest” in his company, according to the release. Through his employment as the victim’s financial advisor, Goodbred approved the request for monies to be withdrawn from her trust account, which were then placed into the victim’s checking account, according to the release.

From there, checks would be written to Goodbred’s company and Goodbred would then transfer those funds to his own personal account, Weis said in the release. None of the money that was transferred from the victim’s accounts was used for her benefit, he said.

The court remarked when handing down Goodbred’s six-year sentence that a term of probation would deprecate the seriousness of the offense, according to the release.

Goodbred‘s sentence will require him to serve one year of mandatory supervised release, formerly known as parole. 

Full Article & Source:
Earlville man sentenced to 6 years in prison for stealing $1.2M from person with dementia 

Former caretaker sentenced to 30 years after Ankeny man dies in squalor, neglect

by William Morris

Key Points 

• Diana Lynn Becker-Abeyta, 63, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in the death of 73-year-old Ray Crammond, for whom she was a caretaker.
• Becker-Abeyta pleaded guilty to dependent adult abuse and financial exploitation, and entered an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter.
• Crammond was found malnourished, neglected, and suffering from bedsores, ultimately dying from pneumonia caused by an infection.

An Ankeny woman accused of fatally neglecting an elderly man while using his Social Security benefits for herself has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Diana Lynn Becker-Abeyta, 63, was a paid live-in caretaker for 73-year-old Ray Crammond until his death in April 2023. Summoned to Crammond's home, first responders found him malnourished, dirty and neglected, with numerous bed sores, and learned Becker-Abeyta, who was not licensed as a caregiver, had not been giving him his prescribed medications, prosecutors alleged.

Taken to a hospital, Crammond died several days later of pneumonia that investigators determined was caused by an infection. A medical examiner classified his death as a homicide.

Becker-Abeyta pleaded guilty to dependent adult abuse-financial exploitation, admitting she'd taken some of Crammond's federal benefit money. She separately entered an Alford plea to a count of involuntary manslaughter, maintaining she was innocent but acknowledging the strong evidence against her.

Judge calls case 'horrific'

On Thursday, May 29, she was sentenced to consecutive 15-year terms for each offense. Because Becker-Abeyta also admitted to being a habitual offender due to prior felony drug and fraud convictions, she must serve at least six years before she is eligible for probation. In addition, she must pay $150,000 in restitution to Crammond's heirs, as required by Iowa law.

Judge Paul Scott called the case "horrific," according to a news release from the Polk County Attorney's Office, saying that "the degradation of human body to the extent shown in the photos doesn’t happen overnight.”

Becker-Abeyta apologized at the hearing, calling Crammond a "wonderful man" and saying, "I didn’t do any of this intentionally. … I was in over my head,” according to the news release.

Her attorneys had asked the court to sentence her to probation. 

Full Article & Source:
Former caretaker sentenced to 30 years after Ankeny man dies in squalor, neglect 

See Also:
Ankeny woman charged with murder in death of 73-year-old, bedridden man

Former nursing home worker sentenced to jail for elder abuse; cases continue for two other suspects

A former Guthrie nursing home employee has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and elder abuse following a disturbing investigation into misconduct at Golden Age Nursing Home.

Jade Williams, 22, was sentenced Tuesday after a Guthrie detective, Williams, and her mother provided testimony in court. Williams, who showed emotion while reading from a prepared statement, received two 10-year sentences with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC).

The first charge includes eight years suspended, meaning she could serve up to two years behind bars. Then she will begin serving 8.5 mandatory years on the second charge which is required (85% crime) of her sentence before being eligible for release.

Williams was arrested in July along with Aubrey Granata, 22, and McKenzie Bolfa, 21, following a two-month investigation by the Guthrie Police Department. The investigation began after a former nursing home employee came forward with disturbing allegations against their co-workers.

Court documents reveal that Williams, Granata, and Bolfa exchanged Snapchat videos and photos showing residents in degrading and inhumane conditions. One video depicted an elderly resident lying on a bed wearing only a shirt and a diaper, with fecal matter on the sheets and socks. Another video showed a male resident lying nude from the waist down. Additionally, photos surfaced of deceased residents being mocked by the workers.

“It’s probably one of the saddest things,” Guthrie Police Chief Don Sweger said in a previous interview. “We take service to everybody very responsibly, but especially for those who don’t have a voice for themselves.”

As part of her sentencing, Williams must complete a drug offender work camp while in DOC custody, undergo drug and alcohol evaluations and follow all recommendations, submit to random drug testing, undergo a mental health evaluation and follow all recommendations, obtain employment or enroll in school, complete 300 hours of community service upon release, address fines and court costs within 180 days of release.

Meanwhile, Granata and Bolfa have pleaded not guilty in their cases and are expected back in court in March.

Golden Age director, Tandie Hastings, issued a statement, last year, in response to the allegations: “Golden Age Nursing Home endeavors to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Upon receiving information related to certain allegations against its employees, the facility began working with local law enforcement and other appropriate authorities to respond. The employees involved had cleared background checks, were educated related to resident’s rights/safety, and have been terminated from employment. We are committed to protecting the privacy and safety of the residents and families involved and will continue to keep them updated with any developments related to this matter.”

The accused, 22-year-old Aubrey Granata, 22-year-old Jade Williams, and 21-year-old McKenzie Bolfa, are now facing serious charges of elderly abuse.

Full Article & Source:
Former nursing home worker sentenced to jail for elder abuse; cases continue for two other suspects

Ex-Hazlet Lawyer Sentenced to 10 Years for Massive Client Fraud

Steven H. Salami Ordered to Repay $1.18M After Defrauding Over 60 Clients in Real Estate Scheme

By Jim Lonergan

FREEHOLD, NJ – A former Hazlet real-estate attorney who embezzled nearly $1.18 million from over 60 clients has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the sentencing of 49-year-old Steven H. Salami on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a case involving years of deceit and financial exploitation.

Salami, now disbarred, was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua during a hearing on Friday, January 17. As part of the sentence, Salami has been ordered to repay the full amount of the stolen funds to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, which had previously reimbursed his defrauded clients.

A Pattern of Deceit

The investigation into Salami’s misconduct began with complaints from four victims, who collectively lost nearly $300,000 between April and August 2019. Acting as their attorney, Salami accepted funds for real-estate transactions and deposited the money into escrow accounts but failed to perform the required services. This led to missed closing dates, voided transactions, and significant financial losses for the victims.

Salami’s arrest in October 2019 was only the beginning. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit continued its investigation, uncovering dozens of additional victims. Their efforts culminated in a 63-count indictment handed down by a Monmouth County Grand Jury in July 2021.

Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea

The case faced delays as the Superior Court Appellate Division reviewed and ultimately restored two counts of the indictment previously dismissed by a lower court. In October 2024, Salami pleaded guilty to second-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, acknowledging his role in defrauding his clients.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit, while Salami was represented by Steven E. Nelson, Esq., of Neptune.

Justice Served

Prosecutor Santiago emphasized the gravity of Salami’s actions. “Mr. Salami’s betrayal of his clients’ trust not only caused them significant financial harm but also undermined the integrity of the legal profession. This sentencing reflects our commitment to holding those who abuse their professional positions accountable.”

Salami’s disbarment and prison sentence serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of professional misconduct. For his victims, the repayment order offers some measure of restitution, though the emotional and financial impact of his crimes will likely linger.

Full Article & Source:
Ex-Hazlet Lawyer Sentenced to 10 Years for Massive Client Fraud

Woman sentenced for stealing from her elderly mother using Power of Attorney

District Attorney Stephan Baratta announced Tuesday that a Northampton County woman was sentenced for financially exploiting her elderly mother. 

Alyssa Piazza was sentenced on December 12, 2024, to 58 to 116 months in state prison.

According to the DA, she was sentenced for financial exploitation of an older adult and related charges for the theft of her 86-year-old mother's entire estate. 

She achieved the theft by the criminal misuse of a Power of Attorney.

The DA states that Piazza's actions left her mother virtually homeless, as she diverted her mother's estate, including selling her mother's home that she lived in for 27 years.

She was found guilty by a jury of three counts of theft by unlawful taking, two counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, financial exploitation of an older adult, and abuse of care-dependent person.

Full Article & Source:
Woman sentenced for stealing from her elderly mother using Power of Attorney

See Also:
Hellertown woman found guilty in financial exploitation of mother, authorities say

Macomb County Woman Sentenced on 18 Felony Counts for Stealing from Vulnerable Adults

January 10, 2025 

LANSING – On Wednesday, Lisa Ludy, 54, of Macomb, was sentenced to 3 to 20 years’ incarceration on 18 felony counts for stealing from two vulnerable adults, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Ludy, who pled no contest in July 2024, was sentenced by Judge Julie Gatti in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Macomb County to:

• 3 to 20 years’ incarceration on two counts of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
• 3 to 15 years’ incarceration on one count of Embezzlement $50,000 to $100,000;
• 3 to 10 years’ incarceration on one count of Embezzlement $20,000 to $50,0000;
• 1 year incarceration on all other counts, which include six counts of Financial Transaction Device-Stealing/Retaining Without Consent, one count of Embezzlement From a Vulnerable Adult - $1,000 or More But Less Than $20,000, one count of Witness-Bribing/Intimidating/Interfering, two counts of Embezzlement $1,000 to $20,000, and four counts of Failure to File Tax Return. 

All counts are to run concurrently.

As a condition of the plea agreement, Ludy agreed to pay total restitution of $187,827.96 to the victims. Ludy paid $17,000 in restitution for the victims prior to her sentencing.

“This sentence secures not only prison time but substantial restitution for the vulnerable adults who were exploited by the guardian and conservator they entrusted with their finances,” Nessel said. “My office remains committed to seeking justice for some of our state’s most vulnerable and providing pathways for them to recoup their stolen funds.” 

In 2016, Ludy petitioned to have her company, Community Guardian Care, Inc., appointed as a guardian and conservator for one of two victims. Upon the appointment as guardian and conservator, Ludy used her position and company to steal over $100,000 from the victim, which she used to pay personal bills and funnel money to her family’s companies - Career Health Studies, Career Health Training Corporation, and Applewood Adult Foster Care Home. Ludy also intentionally concealed the money she took from the victim and failed to file income taxes from 2016 through 2019. 

After Ludy was initially charged in 2022, a second victim reported that Ludy would not return his money. Ludy faced additional charges for stealing his Social Security income from his bank account by using his debit card to make numerous purchases and withdrawals from the account after she had already been removed as the victim’s guardian. Ludy also interfered with the victim and attempted to prevent and/or obstruct him from pressing charges and testifying in court against her.

Source:
Macomb County Woman Sentenced on 18 Felony Counts for Stealing from Vulnerable Adults

See Also:
Macomb County Woman Pleads No Contest to 18 Felony Counts for Stealing from Vulnerable Adults

Macomb County woman faces several felony charges for allegedly stealing from vulnerable adults

Macomb County Woman Bound Over to Circuit Court on 18 Felony Counts

Macomb Township woman accused of stealing over $100,000 from vulnerable adult

Macomb County Woman Faces Additional Charges for Stealing From a Second Vulnerable Adult

Final defendant in $1.2 M guardian embezzlement case sentenced

One day in prison, but hefty restitution ordered

By Alex Rose

The final defendant in an embezzlement scheme involving wards of court-appointed guardianships was sentenced Thursday to one day in prison with three years of supervised release.

Alesha Mitchell, 44, of Suffolk, Va., was also ordered to pay $85,974 restitution and a $100 special assessment under the sentence handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Mitchell, represented by defense counsel Heather Mattes, was charged with bank fraud and conspiracy to bank fraud by federal indictment in June 2021. She pleaded guilty in March 2022 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for her role in the scheme.

Co-defendants Carlton Rembert, 70, of Hampton, Va., and Gloria Byars, 63, of Aldan, were likewise charged with bank fraud and conspiracy at that time, as well as five counts of wire fraud. Byars faced an additional charge of money laundering, but she died in August before she could be sentenced.

Byars was originally charged in 2019 with former Democratic candidate for county council Keith Collins and his wife, Carolyn Collins — Byars’ sister — as part of the same scheme. Byars had been facing hundreds of state counts before the eight-count federal indictment came down.

Keith and Carolyn Collins, of the first block of Princeton Avenue in Ridley Park, were facing 18 state counts each of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and receiving stolen property, and three conspiracy counts.

The married couple, who serve as pastors at the Church of the Overcomer in Trainer, pleaded guilty before Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge Mary Alice Brennan to one consolidated count of theft by unlawful taking in March. They were each sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to repay more than $54,000.

According to information from the indictment and affidavits in the state charges:

Byars, who was also Rembert’s sister, had worked from 2008 to October 2016 at a Havertown business that cares for wards appointed by the state. In her position, she assisted the company’s owner in managing wards’ assets, and had access to their checkbooks and bank accounts.

Byars was appointed guardian of several wards in 2015, granting her access to their assets as well. She set up her own corporation in August 2016, called Global Guardian Services LLC, shortly before leaving the Havertown company.

Byars, Rembert and Mitchell fraudulently obtained more than $1.2 million of unauthorized checks from 120 incapacitated wards and deposited them into accounts they opened with local banks, then split the proceeds.

Byars opened business bank accounts for Global Guardian and “ICU Records & Billing,” while Rembert and Mitchell opened accounts for shell corporations “CWR Medical Services,” and “ACC Medical Billing LLC.” Rembert also opened business bank accounts in the name of a business he previously operated called Grace Home for Children.

Byars stole money from the wards’ accounts by writing unauthorized checks payable to ICURB, Global Guardian, ACC Medical Billing, CWR Medical and Grace Home in order to make the transactions appear to be legitimate medical expenses incurred by the wards.

According to a prior release from U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, Rembert deposited more than $695,000 in checks into the shell business bank accounts, then withdrew more than $388,000 in cash.

He also obtained $217,082 in certified checks that he sent to Byars, while keeping a portion of the stolen ward money for himself.

Byars pleaded guilty in November 2023 to charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering and filing a false income tax return. The Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office later reported the cause of death was the “combined toxic effects of different drugs” and that the manner was suicide.

Rembert, representing himself with Bala Cynwyd attorney Vernon Chestnut, was convicted at trial last year on charges of conspiracy, bank fraud and wire fraud. He was later denied motions for acquittal and a new trial.

Rembert was sentenced earlier this month to 5½ years in federal prison with five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $400 special assessment and $534,335 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiwana Wright and Samuel Dalke prosecuted the case.

“The greed and callousness here are off the charts,” Romero said in a release when Rembert was sentenced. “It’s vile that criminals target the elderly and infirm specifically to take advantage of their vulnerability. My office and our partners will continue to do all we can to hold these crooks responsible and protect our elders from such greed, fraud, and abuse.”

Full Article & Source:
Final defendant in $1.2 M guardian embezzlement case sentenced

Virginia Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Stealing From Elderly Incapacitated Victims

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Carlton Rembert, 70, of Hampton, Virginia, was sentenced on October 11, 2024, by United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky to 66 months’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, $534,335 in restitution to the victims, and a $400 special assessment for his role in a scheme to defraud elderly incapacitated people of over $1 million.

Rembert’s late co-conspirator and sister, Gloria Byars, was a court-appointed guardian for over 100 incapacitated wards in Pennsylvania. Between 2012 and 2018, Byars, Rembert, and other co-conspirators stole the life savings from dozens of wards while Byars served as their court-appointed guardian. Byars pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud for her role in the fraud scheme. Rembert proceeded to trial in November 2023 and after a four-day trial, a jury found Rembert guilty of conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud.

As guardian, Byars had unfettered access to wards’ property including bank accounts, pensions, real estate, retirement accounts, and other assets. Byars stole money from the wards’ bank accounts by writing unauthorized checks to companies she controlled, or to shell companies controlled by her co-conspirators, Rembert and Alesha Mitchell. Rembert and Mitchell assisted Byars in the theft by opening bank accounts in their home state of Virginia in the names of shell companies purporting to be medical services companies. Byars made the checks payable to her co-conspirators’ fake medical services companies, to make it appear that the elderly incapacitated ward incurred a legitimate medical expense.

After receiving dozens of checks from his sister, Rembert deposited over $695,000 in stolen ward checks into five separate shell business bank accounts he had opened. Rembert then withdrew over $388,000 in cash through 94 structured withdrawals. Rembert also obtained $217,082 in certified checks, sending the certified checks to Byars and keeping a share of the stolen ward money for himself. When confronted by law enforcement, Rembert lied to investigators, pretending that he provided services to the elderly and sick victims. Some of the victims’ families testified at Rembert’s trial, telling the court that they had never heard of Rembert’s sham medical companies, and that neither Rembert nor his companies provided any services for their loved ones.

Rembert and Byars spent the stolen ward money on personal expenses, including vacations, clothing and other retail purchases, restaurants, vehicles, gifts, and parties. In all, Byers, Rembert, and Mitchell stole well over $1 million from at least 120 incapacitated people in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Alesha Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24.

“Rembert and his co-conspirators had no qualms about ripping off these incapacitated victims and living it up on their stolen money,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “The greed and callousness here are off the charts. It’s vile that criminals target the elderly and infirm specifically to take advantage of their vulnerability. My office and our partners will continue to do all we can to hold these crooks responsible and protect our elders from such greed, fraud, and abuse.”

“Elder fraud leaves a damaging impact on victims and our communities, and our office remains steadfast in pursuit of those who exploit this vulnerable population,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “We encourage those who believe that they or a loved one are a victim of elder fraud to report it. Reporting elder fraud is not only a step towards justice, but it helps protect others from victimization.”

“Carlton Rembert, together with his co-conspirator Gloria Byars, abused the trust of the most vulnerable among us – individuals who have been incapacitated by age, illness, or both. What they did was truly heinous – and truly criminal. I applaud United States Attorney Romero for prosecuting these individuals, in one of the first guardianship fraud cases to be prosecuted. Unfortunately, this type of fraud is increasing, and it is important for law enforcement to send a clear signal that it will not be tolerated,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

“As a law enforcement community, it is our duty to hold individuals accountable who abuse their position of trust and steal from the people that are under their care,” said Amy MacNeely, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “We, along with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiwana Wright and Samuel Dalke.

Contact

USAPAE.PressBox@usdoj.gov
215-861-8300

Source:
Virginia Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Stealing From Elderly Incapacitated Victims

Disabilities Day Program Employee Sentenced to 230 Days in Jail for Exploiting Vulnerable Adults and Shoplifting

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia

USADC.Media@usdoj.gov

            WASHINGTON — Danielle Marquita Baltimore, 40, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 180 days of incarceration for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, and 50 days for shoplifting. Each sentence will run concurrent to each other. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.

            Baltimore pleaded guilty to the two charges on October 2, 2024, before the Honorable Robert Rigsby, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

            According to the government’s evidence, Baltimore worked as a direct support professional at Innovative Day, LLC, a day program for adults with developmental disabilities. Baltimore’s duties included taking individuals who require assistance or supervision in a safe environment outside the home during the day. Along with her guilty plea, Baltimore admitted that on or about December 20, 2023, Baltimore took two vulnerable adults who suffer from cognitive and developmental disabilities to Walmart, located at 310 Riggs Rd NE, Washington, DC. While at Walmart, Baltimore coerced the two vulnerable adults under her care into shoplifting items on her behalf. Baltimore placed items consisting of sneakers, clothing, and various merchandise in bags and gave the bags to the victims. Baltimore instructed the victims to exit Walmart without paying for the items. After leaving Walmart, Baltimore retrieved all of the concealed items from the victims. One victim stated they felt bad for shoplifting but complied for fear Baltimore would harm them for refusing.

            This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors and vulnerable adults. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia launched an initiative to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop and coordinate further its prosecution of these cases and enhance its overall support of older or vulnerable victims. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across the Office, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit.

            The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative partners with the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which is statutorily responsible for investigating and prosecuting District Medicaid provider fraud as well as abuse or neglect of residents in health care facilities and board and care facilities and of District Medicaid beneficiaries in noninstitutional or other settings.

            This prosecution is indicative of the continued collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the D.C. Office of the Inspector General to investigate and prosecute cases of this kind. The government urges the public to provide tips and assistance to stop health care fraud. If you have information about individuals committing health care fraud, please call the D.C. Office of the Inspector General at 202-724-TIPS [202-724-8477].

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Inspector General Lucas acknowledged the work of those who investigated and prosecuted the case from the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of Inspector General’s MFCU. They also commended the efforts of Special Assistant United States Attorney Emmanuela Charles, on detail from the MFCU, who prosecuted the case, and MFCU Special Agents Eduardo Torre and Victor Richardson, who investigated the matter.

Source:
Disabilities Day Program Employee Sentenced to 230 Days in Jail for Exploiting Vulnerable Adults and Shoplifting

Burtchville Woman Sentenced for Embezzling More than $86,000

September 16, 2024

LANSING – Today, Lisa Marie Tramski, 57, of Burtchville, was sentenced to one year of probation by Judge Daniel A. Damman in the 31st Circuit Court in St. Clair County after paying $51,600.75 in restitution, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Tramski pled guilty in July to one count of Embezzlement of $50,000 or more, but less than $100,000 for embezzling funds from an elderly woman after becoming her court-appointed guardian. 

Tramski was appointed in early 2018 as guardian for the victim, who died only weeks later. About a week before the death, Tramski had the victim sign a will leaving everything to Tramski. Despite knowing there were legal challenges to the will, Tramski proceeded to take $86,033.75 from the victim’s accounts. Ultimately, the probate court invalidated the will benefitting Tramski.   

“Guardians and conservators are appointed to care for those they serve, not exploit or steal from them in their time of need,” said Nessel. “My office remains committed to pursuing those who abuse their positions and advocating for stronger legislation to better protect elders from harm.”  

Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sections - all working together to combat elder abuse. The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives (PDF), including requiring certification and training for professional guardians.  

Earlier this year, the Department testified in support of House Bills 4909, 4910, 4911, and 4912, a bill package aimed at reforming Michigan’s guardianship statutes. The Department also supports Senate Bill 656, which would restrict the type of investments a conservator can make with estate property. Additionally, Attorney General Nessel and the Task Force have advocated for legislation to establish family consent laws and PPOs for elder/vulnerable adults, as well as a guardian certification initiative.  

More than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. They experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.

Source:
Burtchville Woman Sentenced for Embezzling More than $86,000

See Also:
Burtchville Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $86,000

Elder Abuse Sentencing

“You essentially shut the door to her getting help.” That’s what a Judge told a Centre County woman, who is now headed to State Prison in whats termed a “Horrific case of Elder Abuse.” Loretta Stokes-McClusick of Philipsburg was arraigned in February of 2023 on charges of Elder Neglect involving a close relative who was in Stokes-McClusick’s care. That so called care, or lack of it, Police, Prosecutors, even Doctors have had a difficult time describing.

On Wednesday, Stokes-McClusick sentenced to 40-80 months in a State Prison, after earlier this year pleading no contest to two criminal charges. The 84-year-old woman in Stokes-McClusick’s home lost half her body weight and was just 89 pounds when admitted to a Hospital in 2022, where Doctors feared she would die. She had tunneling wounds on her legs, down to the bone, and her body temperature was the lowest ever seen by the medical personnel.

Police said Stokes-McClusick’s home was strewn with garbage, difficult to get a wheel chair through, and Stokes-McClusick repeatedly turned away Nurses and others from getting in the home. Prosecutors say the motive was money — financial exploitation. That Stokes-McClusick wanted continued access to the victim’s Social Security checks, even taking money out of the victim’s account months after she was hospitalized.

In Court Wednesday, Stokes-McClusick had nothing to say. Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna telling the Judge she’s never shown remorse and then added — the victim has survived. That after a long rehabilitation, she’s living happily, blissfully in a Nursing Home.

Full Article & Source:
Elder Abuse Sentencing

Tree-trimming scammer faces 8 years in state prison

Joseph Tyler was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution to older Coloradans that he defrauded in the scam, which took place from February 2020 until October 2022

NEWS RELEASE
ATTORNEY GENERAL PHIL WEISER
**********************
DENVER — A Jefferson County District Court judge on Monday sentenced Joseph Tyler to eight years in state prison and ordered him to pay $23,000 in restitution to older Coloradans that he defrauded in a tree-trimming scam from February 2020 until October 2022.

Tyler’s sentence comes after he pleaded guilty to theft targeting at risk victims, a class three felony, and to theft, a class five felony. He and his wife, Amelia Marie Tyler, were indicted by the statewide grand jury in February 2023 on 51 counts for using deceptive tactics to commit financial fraud on vulnerable older Coloradans, including many who were over 80 years old, in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, El Paso, Jefferson, and Otero counties.

Amelia Tyler cooperated with prosecutors and was sentenced in January after she pleaded guilty to felony theft. She served a year in the Jefferson County jail and is currently on probation at an intensive residential program for three years. 

“The defendants defrauded dozens of older Coloradans when they promised tree-trimming or home repair services and then ran off with their money. These fraudsters are now being held accountable for their crimes. Our office remains committed to ensuring that individuals who perpetrate crimes against older Coloradans are held fully responsible for their actions,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said.

According to the grand jury indictment, the husband-wife team would show up at a residence to solicit tree-trimming or home-repair services for a set amount of money. Sometimes the homeowner paid in cash, but more often, they paid by check. The wife would then cash the check at the homeowner’s bank while the husband cut a few branches at the victim’s home. After cashing the check, the wife would return to pick up the husband before he completed most of the job. The defendants would then tell the homeowner that they needed to get something and would be back, but they rarely returned to the jobsite. At least 50 individuals were victims of the tree-trimming scam.

The case numbers are Joseph Camillo Tyler, 2023CR327 and Amelia Marie Tyler, 2023CR328.

Older Coloradans are frequently targeted by scammers with schemes that can cause financial harm, including the loss of one’s retirement savings and potentially even their home. AARP ElderWatch Colorado is a program with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and AARP whose mission is to fight the financial exploitation of older Coloradans through education and outreach, data collection, and the providing of assistance. Please visit the AARP Elderwatch website for additional information on how to recognize, refuse and report fraud and scams. Report fraud or scams by calling 1-800-222-4444 or filing a complaint at www.StopFraudColorado.gov.

Full Article & Source:
Tree-trimming scammer faces 8 years in state prison

Former Nursing Home Employee, Jennifer Bryant, Sentenced to State Prison for Stealing from Elderly Resident

New Hampshire
Department of Justice
Office of the Attorney General

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2024

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that Jennifer Bryant, 48, of East Rochester, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday in the Strafford County Superior Court on one class A felony count of theft by unauthorized taking.

Investigation revealed that between May 7, 2019, and May 12, 2022, Ms. Bryant, while working as a nursing home billing coordinator, stole $71,548.00 in social security funds belonging to a nursing home resident. The funds should have been used to pay for the resident’s rent and care at the nursing home. Instead, Ms. Bryant used the funds to pay for personal retail purchases, salon services, restaurants, entertainment, home improvement, and vacations.

The Court sentenced Ms. Bryant to serve 5-10 years in the New Hampshire State Prison, stand committed. The Court suspended 3 years from the minimum term, with the suspended term to end 15 years following Ms. Bryant’s release from incarceration. Under the suspended sentence, Ms. Bryant is, among other things, prohibited from working in billing and accounting, and in the care of elderly, disabled, or impaired adults. Ms. Bryant must also pay $71,548.00 in restitution to the nursing home. Ms. Bryant was taken into custody at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing.

In exchange for Ms. Bryant’s plea of guilty on the theft indictment, an additional indictment of financial exploitation of an elderly adult will be nolle prossed.

This matter was jointly investigated by Investigator Frederick Lulka of the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau and Investigator John Lannon of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The matter was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Bryan J. Townsend, II, of the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, and Assistant Attorney General Andrew Yourell of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department or the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (1-800-949-0470).

Source:
Former Nursing Home Employee, Jennifer Bryant, Sentenced to State Prison for Stealing from Elderly Resident

Jury finds caregiver guilty of felony elder abuse, fraud

By LEWIS DELAVAN / Staff writer

A Garland County woman was sentenced Monday,  Dec. 4 to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $125,000 in restitution to her victim after she pleaded guilty in August for Abuse of Adults Exploitation, a Class B felony, and Medicaid Fraud, a Class A misdemeanor.

Charlene Root Davila, 56, a caregiver and tax preparer, will serve five years in prison, with 10 years of the sentence suspended, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement. The attorney general's office prosecuted the case in Garland County Circuit Court.

Root Davila lived in a trailer park at 5600 Albert Pike Road, and was also a neighbor of the victim.

“Cases like these don’t often result in prison time for the perpetrators, which underscores just how brazen and cruel this crime was.

“Davila made a calculated effort to secure access to her victim’s funds after the victim’s husband passed away. The victim has no local family and was left with little support network following her husband’s death.

“Davila, a local tax preparer and neighbor of the victim’s, forged documents to get power of attorney on the victim’s bank accounts and took approximately $150,000 within just a few days of gaining access to the accounts.

“She also attempted to obtain guardianship over the victim so that the victim’s home could be sold with the proceeds going to Davila. The court noted in its ruling how ‘disturbing’ this case was and how Davila took advantage of the victim’s vulnerabilities.  

“I am grateful to Senior Assistant Attorney General Sharon Strong, who prosecuted this case in cooperation with Special Prosecuting Attorney Emily White. I also appreciate the great work done by Special Agent Dane Pederson of my office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, who worked in cooperation with the Hot Springs Police Department to investigate this case.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Davila was in Garland County jail, awaiting transfer to the state prison system.

Full Article & Source:
Jury finds caregiver guilty of felony elder abuse, fraud

Victims awarded $200K after theft by former Cuyahoga County attorney

By Avery Williams

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Four years after a Cuyahoga County attorney was accused of stealing from her clients, Ohio court officials say two victims are receiving reimbursement.  

According to a news release, Dorothea Jane Kingsbury, who is suspended from practicing law, pleaded guilty in Sept. 2021 to charges including theft.

Previous 19 News’ reports state Kingsbury was an estate attorney, and her victims were elderly or disabled adults.

Court officials say the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection reimbursed $200,000 to Kingsbury’s former clients.

Sixteen other victims of theft by Ohio attorneys were compensated as well, according to the release.

Full Article & Source:
Victims awarded $200K after theft by former Cuyahoga County attorney

See Also:
Ex-Beachwood lawyer who bilked special-needs clients’ trusts gets prison

Cleveland lawyer indicted for taking funds from elderly, disabled people she served for as guardian

Additional charges against Pepper Pike attorney accused of misappropriating funds: Update

Cleveland lawyer indicted for taking funds from elderly, disabled people she served for as guardian

Reedsburg lawyer stole $1.6 million from client's trust to pay for home improvements, 2 trucks and a tractor

by Chris Ramirez

A Reedsburg lawyer will spend nearly four years in federal prison for embezzling $1.6 million from a client's trust accounts.

U.S. District Judge William M. Conley on Thursday ordered Kristin Lein, 61, to serve 45 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty in June to wire fraud, money laundering and filing a false tax return.

Prosecutors alleged that in June 2019, Lein began transferring money from several accounts belonging to the client’s trust to her own personal bank account.

Lein and the beneficiary of the trust spoke in a Feb. 2, 2022, phone call about financial matters. She told the person the trust balance was over $1.8 million. 

But that wasn't true.

Prosecutors alleged the amount in the trust was significantly less due to her actions, and that she continued to embezzle money until the funds were depleted in September 2022. 

Timothy M. O’Shea, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, said in a statement an investigation revealed Lein used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses, including improvements to her home in Sauk County.

She also used the money to buy multiple vehicles, including a 2019 F-250 pickup truck, a 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and a 2020 Mahinda tractor, the statement said. 

Lein admitted she failed to report the income she obtained from the embezzlement on her 2019 personal tax return.   

The charges against Lein were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner handled the prosecution.

Full Article & Source:
Reedsburg lawyer stole $1.6 million from client's trust to pay for home improvements, 2 trucks and a tractor

Indian national, an illegal resident of Houston, sentenced for leading mail fraud conspiracy targeting U.S. elderly

HOUSTON, Texas — A federal court has sentenced an Indian national for his role as the ringleader in a mail fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims across the United States, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

26-year-old MD Azad, an illegal resident of Houston, was ordered to serve 188 months in federal prison following his guilty plea on August 15, 2022. Azad admitted to participating in the fraud ring, which operated in various cities, including Houston, from 2019 to 2020.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt, who presided over the case, described Azad as the U.S.-based ringleader of the operation, working in conjunction with a call center in India. The court heard evidence of the financial devastation the fraud scheme caused to elderly and vulnerable victims throughout the United States.

“The victims in this case were devastated, financially and otherwise,” said Hamdani. “This fraud ring repeatedly preyed on elderly and vulnerable people in the United States who spoke of threats of bodily harm if they did not comply with demands for more money. Our hope, and that of many of the victims, is deterrence so as to stop others who would think of doing similar harm in our community and beyond.”

The scheme involved tricking victims into sending money through various methods, including wire transfers, gift cards, or mailing cash. The fraudsters would contact victims, claiming to provide technical support for their computers, gaining access to personal data, bank, and credit card information. Victims were sometimes victimized multiple times and threatened with bodily harm if they did not pay.

Other Indian nationals involved in the conspiracy, including 26-year-old Anirudha Kalkote, 26-year-old Sumit Kumar Singh, 26-year-old Himanshu Kumar, and 27-year-old MD Hasib, also illegal residents of Houston, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. All five individuals remain in custody.

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. The case is part of the Elder Justice Initiative, aimed at protecting elderly citizens from financial exploitation and fraud.

Full Article & Source:
Indian national, an illegal resident of Houston, sentenced for leading mail fraud conspiracy targeting U.S. elderly