Woman Pleads Guilty to $100K Caregiver Fraud

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hayes woman pleaded guilty today to charges of fraud and identity theft in connection with stealing nearly $100,000 from a Gloucester woman.

According to court documents, in early 2015, Amy Denton, 43, began performing personal care services for A.C., who required assistance due to certain medical issues and limitations. A.C., a recipient of Social Security Disability income and other public assistance, resided in an apartment with her teenaged son, who suffered from disabilities. Denton assisted A.C. with running errands, certain household duties and taking her to appointments. 

On or about Jan. 1, 2015, A.C.’s mother passed away, leaving behind life insurance to A.C., notice of which was eventually sent to a post office box to which Denton had access. In May 2015, Denton caused A.C. to complete a power of attorney form that gave the Denton access and control over A.C.’s finances, and eventually forged forms on A.C.’s behalf in order to obtain the life insurance. After Denton added herself to A.C.’s checking account, she opened two other bank accounts using A.C.’s name. Denton then caused the life insurance proceeds to be deposited and/or transferred into the bank accounts in the total amount of $99,968.23. Denton used the majority of the funds for her own use, including purchasing a vehicle, travel, entertainment, paying court fees, over $15,000 in cash related transactions (or checks to cash) and debit/check card transactions. A.C. neither authorized nor was aware of any of these transactions occurred.

Denton pleaded guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the mail fraud charge, and a mandatory penalty of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft charge, which will run consecutive to any prison term imposed on the mail fraud charge. Denton is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2019. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, and Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-70.