A shocking case of exploitation has emerged in Pennsylvania, where a funeral director has been charged with stealing a significant amount of money from a client’s estate. According to the Pennsylvania AG, Kenneth Neeld Jr, 47, has been arrested and charged with using his position as Power of Attorney and Estate Executor to steal $257,916.61 from the estate of a terminally ill 84-year-old man.
The victim, Keith Jerome, had signed a Power of Attorney form on March 9, 2016, giving Neeld authority to manage his financial assets. Jerome’s will directed Neeld to donate all of his financial assets to Amigos de Jesus, Zawadi Fund International, and the Coatesville Senior Center after his passing. However, an investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Special Agent, Rachel Story, found that Neeld repeatedly stole money from Jerome and his estate between March 2016 and September 2020.
Neeld’s alleged thefts included transferring money directly to his own bank accounts, using Jerome’s money to pay his own personal bills, and donating Jerome’s money to non-profits not included in the will. He also transferred ownership of Jerome’s car to himself, charged Jerome’s insurance company for a funeral that he never performed, and forged a document suggesting that Jerome owed him money that he had already stolen.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro condemned Neeld’s actions, stating that he had exploited the trust placed in him by Jerome and stolen thousands of dollars meant for local charities. Shapiro emphasized that his office is committed to holding individuals accountable for such crimes and ensuring that Pennsylvanians can have peace of mind knowing that their final wishes will be carried out.
Neeld is charged with felony counts for Theft, Forgery, Insurance Fraud, and related charges. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General M. Eric Schoenberg. All charges are accusations, and the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation and prosecution of this case serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in the management of estates and financial assets. It also highlights the need for individuals to carefully consider who they appoint as their Power of Attorney and Estate Executor, and to ensure that their wishes are clearly documented and protected.
For more information on this case, or to report any suspicious activity, individuals can contact the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Press Office at 717-787-5211 or email press@attorneygeneral.gov. The Office of Attorney General is committed to protecting the rights and interests of Pennsylvanians, and to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: Pennsylvania AG
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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