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Bath Man Indicted for Stealing $225,000 from Disabled Veteran
A brazen case of financial exploitation has shaken the small town of Bath, New Hampshire, as 49-year-old Donald Estes was indicted for stealing approximately $225,000 from an elderly disabled veteran. According to the indictment, Estes had the victim sign an agreement granting him access to the victim’s bank account, despite never applying to become the victim’s legal guardian.
The victim, a disabled veteran who lived at a nursing home, received monthly disability payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Estes, a Bath resident, took advantage of the victim’s vulnerable situation and used the money on personal purchases over the next few years.
The indictment charges Estes with four counts of Bank Fraud and four counts of Mail Fraud. If convicted, Estes faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud and up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud, along with fines and supervised release.
The investigation was led by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
The indictment is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly those who have served our country. The disabled veteran in this case relied on the system to provide for his financial well-being, but was instead exploited by someone he trusted.
Estes is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is a wake-up call for all of us to be vigilant in protecting those who need our help and support.
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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