A Bessemer man has been found guilty in a case involving elder fraud, as announced by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, 47, was convicted of two counts of wire fraud after a trial lasting two days before U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco. The jury returned the verdict based on evidence that showed Pruitt had executed a Power of Attorney over an elderly family member with dementia without their knowledge or consent in September 2023.
The scheme involved Pruitt becoming a joint account holder on the victim's bank accounts, changing the address associated with these accounts to his own, and altering the payable on death beneficiaries. He transferred $550,000 from the victim's accounts to his personal accounts and used some funds for personal gain while moving $500,000 to another account not including the victim.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan S. Rummage and Brett Janich are handling prosecution.
Consumer reports about fraud play a crucial role in law enforcement's efforts against schemes targeting older adults. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is available for victims aged 60 or older at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Managed by the Office for Victims of Crime under the U.S. Department of Justice, this hotline offers personalized support and guidance for reporting fraud cases.
Victims can also file complaints online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or call 1-800-225-5324 for assistance.