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Tracey McNeill, Elder Fraud, North Carolina 2021
Raeford, NC – In a shocking case of elder exploitation, Tracey McNeill, a 51-year-old certified nursing assistant, was sentenced to 12 months and a day imprisonment and ordered to pay $90,003 in restitution for committing wire fraud involving an elderly veteran in her care.
According to court documents, McNeill pled guilty to the charge on July 6, 2021. The investigation revealed that McNeill fraudulently obtained VA and OPM benefits by executing a power of attorney (POA) over a disabled veteran, W.R., who served in the U.S. Army and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 41 years.
McNeill arranged for the victim, who had dementia, to move into her home in February 2015. She then directed the VA and OPM to deposit W.R’s benefits into her bank account between April 2015 and December 2016. In total, OPM deposited $61,318, and the VA deposited $11,151 into her account.
W.R. passed away on December 6, 2016. A financial analysis showed that most of the funds were spent on McNeill’s personal expenses, including rent, utilities, credit card payments, and personal purchases.
Further, McNeill completed Beneficiary forms listing herself as the beneficiary of the victim’s retirement and life insurance benefits. OPM disbursed W.R’s life insurance proceeds in the amount of $17,533 to McNeill.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG) assisted in this investigation.
The case was announced by G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, after sentencing by United States District Judge James C. Dever, III.
Tracey McNeill’s actions have left many in the community shaken. Her sentence serves as a reminder that elder exploitation will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-000474-D.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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