The Attorney General's Office has reported that two individuals from Vermont have pleaded guilty to charges related to the mistreatment of a vulnerable adult. Kathryn Flynn, aged 71 from Essex, and Yoanna Vaughan, aged 37 from Colchester, were involved in an abusive scheme under the guise of a care program.
Flynn and Vaughan's actions came to light following an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU) and Adult Protective Services. The inquiry revealed that Flynn had recklessly abused and unlawfully restrained a vulnerable adult for whom she was a guardian. Vaughan, who was hired as an Applied Behavioral Analyst by Flynn, was found to be unlicensed while billing Vermont Medicaid for services.
Flynn pleaded guilty to charges including Unauthorized Practice, Abuse of Vulnerable Adult, and Abuse by Unlawful Confinement. She received a suspended prison sentence of 18-24 months with five years of probation. Her probation conditions include supervision by the Vermont Probation and Parole Office, restrictions on working with vulnerable adults, participation in the Restorative Justice Program, completion of 160 hours of community service, and engagement in mental health counseling.
Vaughan admitted guilt to Unlicensed Practice on July 30, 2024. She was given a deferred sentence for three years under similar supervision conditions as Flynn. Additionally, Vaughan must complete 50 hours of community service and pay $25,000 restitution to the Vermont Medicaid program.
During Flynn's sentencing hearing before Judge John L. Pacht yesterday—after Vaughan's sentencing on July 30 last year—the victim delivered a poignant statement regarding her experience with abuse due to the defendants' actions but noted improvement in her current situation.
Authorities urge anyone suspecting neglect or abuse to contact local law enforcement immediately or report it through Adult Protective Services at 800-564-1612 or MFRAU online.