The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office reported the arrest of a power of attorney who had been financially abusing an elderly Okaloosa resident.
Cheri Lynn Meyer is accused of stealing over $43,600 from the victim.
According to the inquiry, between October 2021 and September 2022, Meyer routinely took money out of the victim’s account through cheques and ATM withdrawals while she was in a position of trust with the 79-year-old victim, who had age-related disabilities.
The money placed into Meyer’s account did not help the victim while she was living in a care home, according to witness statements, facility records, and bank records.
In her capacity as the victim’s power of attorney, Meyer only made one $500 payment, which was accepted and cleared the victim’s bank account. When asked to make the payments and explain how to handle the victim’s finances, Meyer became reticent and provided a litany of excuses for not covering the victim’s medical expenses.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This individual, who was supposed to look after a senior as a power of attorney, depleted tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly resident’s bank account. I’m thankful that our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigators were alerted to this situation and put a stop to it.”
Meyer is charged with one count of second-degree felony, which is the exploitation of an adult disabled or elderly person for less than $50,000. The State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit has an agreement with Attorney General Moody’s MFCU to pursue the matter.
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