South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that Rose Sherrie Davis, 64, of Irmo, SC, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The charges include one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Financial Identity Fraud, two counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud (value more than $500 in a six-month period), and one count of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (value $10,000 or more). Davis was taken into custody at the Charleston County Detention Center on September 20, 2024.
The investigation by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) revealed that between November 10, 2021, and April 29, 2022, Davis allegedly misused the funds and assets of a vulnerable adult while serving as their power-of-attorney. It is alleged that she accessed the victim’s bank accounts and converted $102,109.04 for her own use. Additionally, Davis is accused of using two debit cards belonging to the victim to make charges exceeding $500 within a six-month period. The victim resided at NHC Healthcare West Ashley in Charleston during this time.
A concerned citizen's complaint via the hotline (1-888-NO-CHEAT) led to VAMPF investigating this case. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute it.
Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult carries penalties including up to five years in prison or a fine not exceeding $5,000. Breach of Trust involving amounts over $10,000 can result in up to ten years in prison or fines determined by the court. Financial Transaction Card Fraud over $500 within six months may lead to up to five years in prison or fines starting at $3,000. Financial Identity Fraud also carries penalties including up to ten years in prison or court-determined fines.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized: "All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law."
VAMPF operates under federal regulations with authority over Medicaid provider fraud; abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries; and abuse, neglect, and exploitation in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75% funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services totaling $2,698,638 for federal fiscal year 2024. South Carolina provides the remaining 25%, totaling $899,546 for FFY 2024.