⏱ 2 min read
Shayna Williams, a 51-year-old woman from Westfield, Indiana, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for her role in a six-year scheme that targeted and financially devastated an elderly victim. The scheme began after Williams was involved in a car accident with the elderly woman, and over the course of six years, Williams defrauded the victim and the victim’s friend of $672,086 by repeatedly lying about injuries, medical conditions, and other expenses she claimed resulted from the car accident.
Williams falsely asserted that her daughter had suffered severe back injuries in the accident, requiring costly surgery and specialized medical equipment, including a walker and an in-home elevator. She also claimed that she and other family members were undergoing expensive medical treatments and were burdened with substantial medical bills. To further the scheme, Williams sent text messages to the victim while impersonating insurance agents who were supposedly negotiating with hospitals over the alleged medical bills.
The financial impact on the victim was severe. The victim took out personal loans, worked as a food delivery driver, obtained a second mortgage on her home, and borrowed money from a friend to pay the fraudulent bills. In total, the victim paid Williams more than $500,000. Despite knowing the victim was incurring significant debt, Williams continued to request additional funds and spent the money on personal expenses, including restaurants, travel, and gambling.
The FBI Indianapolis and the Carmel Police Department investigated this case. U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker will sentence Williams at a later date. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Eakman and Meredith Wood, who are prosecuting this case.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Indiana
- Location: IN
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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