Mykia L. Henderson, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Alabama 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Greed preying on vulnerability. That’s the takeaway from a case closed today as a mother-daughter duo received significant prison sentences for systematically draining the life savings of an elderly victim. The scheme, built on trust and access, saw Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, exploit a position of care for personal gain.

U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco delivered the sentences: 87 months behind bars for Henderson and 57 months for Mixon. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and the aggravating charge of aggravated identity theft – a clear signal the court wasn’t buying their excuses. This wasn’t a momentary lapse in judgment; it was a calculated, sustained attack on a vulnerable individual.

The pair served as in-home caretakers for the victim between December 2020 and February 2022, a period during which they meticulously gathered financial information. That access wasn’t used for care, but for conspiracy. According to court documents, Henderson and Mixon shared the victim’s sensitive data with accomplices, then launched a scheme using fraudulent accounts established through payment processors Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. They weren’t looking for a quick buck; they were building a pipeline to siphon funds directly from the victim’s accounts.

The method was insidious. Unauthorized charges were run through the fake Square and Stripe accounts, with the money funneled into the defendants’ own bank accounts or split amongst themselves. To cover their tracks, they doctored transaction descriptions, attempting to mask the theft. They also brazenly wrote unauthorized checks drawn directly from the victim’s accounts. The total take? Nearly $500,000 – a devastating loss for someone relying on those funds for their golden years.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mountain Brook Police Department worked the case, painstakingly piecing together the evidence of fraud. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring accountability for these predatory actions. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

If you or someone you know, age 60 or older, has been victimized by financial fraud, resources are available. The National Elder Fraud Hotline can be reached at 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Operated by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, it offers personalized support and guidance. Don’t let them get away with it. More information can be found at www.elderjustice.gov.

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