⏱ 2 min read
Amanda Rutherford, 46, of Junction City, Kansas, was sentenced to six years in prison for stealing from an elderly couple she claimed to be caring for. The couple, both in their 80s, had Rutherford living on their property, where she helped with daily tasks. However, it was discovered that Rutherford had been stealing from the couple, making off with over $400,000 in collector coins and firearms.
The theft was reported to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office in 2022, who launched an investigation into the missing items. A tip in early 2024 led them to a jewelry store in Clay County, Missouri, where Rutherford had sold gold and silver coins for $100,000. A search warrant was served on Rutherford’s vehicle, revealing newly purchased merchandise, bundled currency, and other coins belonging to the victims.
Rutherford claimed that the victims had given her permission to sell the coins and split the proceeds, but the victims denied this. Further investigation revealed that Rutherford had sold the victim’s coins to at least three other pawn shops between October 2023 and March 2024. Rutherford was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays and ordered to pay $165,381.59 in restitution to the elderly victims.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson and investigated by the Dickinson County Kansas Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations unit. The successful prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat fraud and financial abuse, particularly against vulnerable populations such as the elderly.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Kansas
- Location: MO
- Source: DOJ Press Release
