New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today the indictment and arrest of Frank Whittaker, 56, of Kingston, and his daughter Christine Ellsworth, 38, of Accord, for allegedly stealing more than $280,000 from an elderly victim in Ulster County. The two are accused of gaining the trust of the 92-year-old by providing lawn care and household help, eventually manipulating their way into controlling her finances.
Whittaker had himself appointed as Power of Attorney (POA) over the victim’s finances, enabling him and Ellsworth to drain her life savings. Starting in 2021, they allegedly ingratiated themselves with the victim, with Ellsworth being hired as her “companion.” Whittaker then convinced the victim to grant him POA, allowing him to access multiple bank and annuity accounts, with Ellsworth as the successor POA.
Over the course of a year, Whittaker and Ellsworth allegedly stole over $280,000 by writing checks to themselves and transferring funds into an account in Whittaker’s name. The stolen money was spent on personal luxuries, including a new GMC Sierra pickup truck worth $57,500, and shopping sprees at local restaurants, Walmart, a jeweler, and florists. They also made cash withdrawals at ATMs in casinos, including Turning Stone Casino and Resort and Saratoga Casino Hotel.
“Scammers who manipulate vulnerable seniors are stealing savings that took a lifetime of hard work to earn,” said Attorney General James. “Instead of fulfilling their promises to take care of this victim and her home, Frank Whittaker and Christine Ellsworth abused her trust and stole her life savings. I thank Superintendent James and our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in this investigation, which sends a clear message that anyone who tries to defraud New Yorkers will be brought to justice.”
Whittaker and Ellsworth were arraigned before Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds. They were charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree for the thefts they allegedly committed from July 2021 to August 2022. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Attorney General’s office is pursuing charges against both individuals for their exploitation of the elderly victim.
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