Woman Who Defrauded Disabled/Elderly Victim Convicted

TAMPA, FL—United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces the conviction of Rebecca Moody (61, of West Virginia and formerly of New Port Richey) on one count of wire fraud and one count of transportation of stolen property. She was found guilty by a jury yesterday following a 12-day trial before the Honorable Richard A. Lazzara. Moody faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud charge and 10 years in federal prison on the transportation of stolen property charge. In addition, she must make restitution to the victim(s) and forfeiture in the amounts traceable to the proceeds of the offense. Moody’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Moody engaged in a scheme to defraud an 80-year-old disabled woman by using a fraudulently obtained power of attorney to procure a fraudulent mortgage loan from Wells Fargo Bank on the victim’s unencumbered residence, without the victim’s knowledge. Moody was also engaged in the theft of other funds from other accounts belonging to the victim in order to acquire money for Moody’s personal use, and for use by her family, all in contradiction of her fiduciary capacity to conduct the financial affairs in the best interest of the disabled and elderly victim.

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.