She Was an Widow With Dementia, He Was a Tennessee Conman Who Stole $1.2 Million
A Tennessee conman was sentenced for defrauding an elderly widow with dementia, stealing over $1.2 million and betraying her trust. đ #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Crime
NASHVILLE, TN – In a shocking betrayal of trust, a Tennessee man was sentenced to five years in prison after taking advantage of an elderly widow with dementia, stealing over $1.2 million from her. Karl Hampton, 65, manipulated his way into the vulnerable womanâs life, claiming he would manage her personal and financial needs, authorities reported.
It’s heartbreaking to think about someone taking advantage of an older woman who was likely just looking for someone to help her.
Over two years, Hampton drained her bank accounts, took out loans in her name, and used her hard-earned savings for his own lavish lifestyle.
Hampton Manipulated Victimâs Trust
Hampton first crossed paths with the 86-year-old victim while working as an exterminator.
Between January 2018 and February 2020, he had convinced her to sign over Power of Attorney, naming him in her will and trust. He even presented himself as her âsonâ or âgodsonâ to others, ensuring that he could take full control of her affairs.
Imagine the heartbreak she must have felt if she ever realized that the man she trusted was only in it for the money.
From there, Hampton began siphoning funds from her accounts, taking out a $500,000 line of credit, and racking up enormous credit card debt for personal luxuries like expensive cars and a 4.3-carat diamond ring. Even more shocking, he spent over $1,000 a day on lottery ticketsâmoney that could have been spent on her care or shared with her family.
Co-Defendant and Restitution
Deborah Hampton, Karlâs wife, wasnât innocent in this scheme either. She pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to time served, along with three years of supervised release. Itâs disappointing to think that both of them were so willing to take advantage of someone so defenseless.
Deborah was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution, while Karl was ordered to return the full $1.2 million he had stolen.
The U.S. Attorneyâs Office commented on the case, highlighting how Hampton preyed on a vulnerable woman who likely had no idea she was being swindled by someone she trusted.
Unfortunately, this case is a sad reminder that there are people out there who will take advantage of the elderly, even when all they want is someone to look after them.
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