Sue O’Neill, Elder Fraud, Pennsylvania 2020

Sue O’Neill, a resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and filing false income tax returns.

As the Controller for Marco Contractors, Inc., O’Neill embezzled a staggering $8.7 million, with the company’s owner, an individual over the age of 60, left reeling from the devastating loss.

The nationwide elder fraud sweep, announced by Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s senior communities.

Over 400 defendants have been charged nationwide, with alleged losses totaling over a billion dollars.

In Western Pennsylvania, four defendants have been charged in connection with the nationwide elder fraud sweep.

In addition to O’Neill, Ronnell Taylor, Jr. of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Barry Nealer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Michael Galanis of Export, Pennsylvania, were indicted for wire fraud conspiracy.

Attorney General Barr has vowed to protect America’s seniors, saying, ‘We’re going to do everything in our power to keep our seniors safe in their retirement from fraudsters.’

In a bid to provide support to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud, Attorney General Barr announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline.

The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers, assist with reporting suspected fraud to relevant agencies, and provide resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.

For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners have taken comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud.

Perpetrators use a ‘money mule’ to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries.

For more information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement, visit the following interactive map: https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020.

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