Fraud ring targeting Cincinnati seniors over 85: 10 arrested, $38K stolen
Ten people were arrested and one remains wanted after a fraud scheme targeting elderly Cincinnati residents led to 29 felony charges. Six victims aged 85–99 lost more than $38,000.
Eleven indicted after organised check fraud scheme targets Cincinnati seniors aged 85 to 99
Ten people have been arrested and one remains at large following a fraud investigation into stolen checks and credit card information targeting elderly residents in Cincinnati, wlwt.com reports. Six victims, aged 85 to 99, suffered combined losses exceeding $38,000.
The case began when an elderly resident of The Kenwood by Senior Star, a senior living community, reported stolen checks from his apartment. The Cincinnati Police Department launched an investigation that combined financial analysis, subpoenas, witness interviews and surveillance footage, ultimately exposing an organised operation.
Eleven people were indicted on 29 felony charges spanning theft, forgery, misuse of credit cards and theft from an elderly person or disabled adult. Those arrested include Robyn Brown, Monae Mosley, Sean Caldwell, Talilah Telich, Jaylon Malone, Arnando Miller, Sabryna Overton, Melyana Green, Jordan Malone and Morrigan Crutcher. Daryl Bullucks remains wanted for his alleged involvement.
Investigators identified Brown as the central figure in the scheme and the only person charged who had direct contact with the victims. "She was the one who was stealing the checks and then the checks were going to different individuals to cash the checks and then splitting the profits with other people," Detective Stewart said. "It turned into this whole web of individuals who were involved with this."
Brown had worked for approximately 11 months as a caregiver at The Kenwood through Trinity In Home Care, a company contracted by the facility for aides and caregivers. She was dismissed as soon as the company became aware of the situation. Aaron Stapleton, CEO and owner of Trinity In Home Care, described the scale of the scheme as unexpected. "Very shocking to us that something this large could happen," Stapleton said.
The scope of the investigation widened as it progressed. "More victims came forward and then once we found more evidence, I ended up having to reach out to people because I found out they were victims and they didn't realise," Stewart said. Investigators believe additional victims may yet come forward.
Senior Star and Trinity In Home Care both issued statements following the indictments. Stapleton said the incident had prompted the company to strengthen its client protection measures, including upgraded background screenings and ongoing verification processes.
The Cincinnati Police Department reiterated its commitment to pursuing those who target vulnerable individuals. Detective Stewart also issued practical guidance for seniors and their families: checks and credit cards should be kept in a safety deposit box or another secure location rather than left accessible in a room or apartment.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)