Caregiver sentenced to federal prison for stealing from elderly Hardin County woman

BEAUMONT, Texas - A Huffman woman has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.

Marcia Nickette Remedies, 71, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to eight months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on November 5, 2024. Remedies was also ordered to pay $24,887.75 in restitution.

According to information presented in court, in May 2023, the Hardin County Sheriff's Office contacted the FBI to request assistance in an investigation concerning Marcia Remedies, who operated as a caretaker to a 91-year-old, bed-ridden individual. The victim reported that Remedies had unlawfully withdrew money from her account utilizing her debit card. The victim was on hospice for health-related issues and reported she hired Remedies to assist her in her home with daily affairs and personal needs. She found Remedies through an add on Facebook and hired her around October 2022. Remedies was authorized to use the victim's debit card for one-time purchases, such as personal need items and groceries. Beginning in November 2022 through April 2023, numerous unauthorized automated teller withdrawals were made at various locations in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. It was determined that Remedies made automated teller withdrawals at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel in Vinton, Louisiana and numerous other unauthorized withdrawals at local stores that were not for the benefit of the victim. Surveillance video captured Remedies on video conducting numerous unauthorized transactions. Remedies made $24,887.75 in unauthorized withdrawals from the victim's account.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

This case was investigated by the Hardin County Sheriff's Office and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

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