Whitlow Sentenced for Elderly Fraud Scheme

Former Kansas City resident Thomas Whitlow, 53, was handed a 9-year prison sentence on February 27, 2015, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The sentence came after Whitlow’s conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud. U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the sentence, which also included restitution of $17,521 and a 3-year supervised release term.

Whitlow was convicted by a federal jury on November 18, 2014, following a three-day trial. Evidence at the trial revealed that Whitlow, along with co-conspirators, targeted elderly victims between May 2011 and November 2013. He posed as a family member or an emergency contact, persuading seniors to send money orders under false pretenses of emergencies.

The scheme involved directing wire transfers of proceeds to co-conspirators, who then provided the funds back to Whitlow or used them for his expenses. The group is believed to have obtained around $20,000 from their victims over the course of the conspiracy. Other defendants in the case have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

Investigations were conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Lincoln Police Department. Whitlow’s sentencing sends a strong message about the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from such scams.

This conviction underscores the severity with which the legal system treats crimes against the elderly, particularly those involving financial exploitation. The sentence handed down demonstrates the gravity of the charges and the impact on victims and their families.

Whitlow’s criminal activities have been a wake-up call for law enforcement and communities alike to remain vigilant against such sophisticated fraud schemes that prey upon the most vulnerable members of society.