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Lisa Daugherty Embezzlement, Atalla AL, 2019
Atalla, Alabama – Lisa Talton Wells Daugherty, 52, of Rainbow City, is facing federal charges after allegedly draining the life savings of a resident at the Oak Landing Assisted Living Facility. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced an indictment accusing Daugherty of wire fraud, money laundering, filing a false tax return, and theft of government property – a scheme that spanned years and funded a comfortable life at the victim’s expense.
Daugherty, a former Unit Coordinator at Oak Landing, allegedly secured power of attorney from the vulnerable resident and promptly moved them into the facility. Once in place, the indictment states she systematically siphoned funds from the victim’s assets beginning in January 2017. The stolen money wasn’t squirreled away; it was spent. Investigators claim Daugherty used the funds to purchase a primary residence, multiple vacation homes, and automobiles, effectively funding her everyday living expenses.
The indictment doesn’t stop at personal spending. Daugherty is also accused of pilfering the victim’s Social Security benefits and then attempting to conceal her ill-gotten gains by filing a false tax return. Federal agents have already seized cash and vehicles, with the government seeking forfeiture of all assets acquired through the alleged fraud. The scale of the alleged theft is significant, potentially reaching millions, according to officials.
“Elder abuse cases like this all too often go unreported and unchecked,” stated a representative from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The dedication and hard work of the agents investigating this case assures the people of Alabama that one such abuser will spend time as a resident of the federal prison system. In addition, the assets seized will begin to help restore some of the losses the victim sustained.” The U.S. Secret Service, taking the lead on the financial investigation, emphasized their commitment to protecting vulnerable seniors.
“The U.S. Secret Service remains steadfast in its resolve to bring those who would take advantage of the elderly for their own financial gain to justice,” a Secret Service spokesperson said. “This case highlights the extent that some individuals will go to financially exploit those who are among the most vulnerable in our community. Without our intervention, this individual would have been able to steal millions.” The Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the IRS Criminal Investigation division also contributed to the probe.
If convicted on all counts, Daugherty faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. Wire Fraud carries a maximum of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain. Money Laundering carries a 10-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. Filing a False Tax Return could add another 3 years and a $100,000 fine, while Theft of Government Property carries a 10-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. Daugherty is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation was led by the U.S. Secret Service, Social Security Administration OIG, and IRS Criminal Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow.
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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