Karl Hampton, a 65-year-old man from Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay over $1.2 million in restitution for defrauding an 86-year-old widow suffering from dementia.
Hampton, who previously resided in Franklin, Tennessee, used his position as an exterminator to gain the woman’s trust and manipulate her finances for his personal gain.
Read: Reality Bites In Tennessee: ‘1,000-Lb. Sisters’ Star Trades Camel Feeding For Jail Time
Over a period of two years, Hampton falsely presented himself as the victim’s personal representative and son, ultimately obtaining power of attorney over her affairs.
He then systematically drained her bank accounts, opened a $500,000 line of credit in her name, and used her credit cards for extravagant purchases, including a luxury car, an SUV, and a $21,000 diamond ring. Hampton also squandered substantial sums on lottery tickets.
Following a jury trial in April 2023, Hampton was convicted on various charges, including conspiracy, money laundering, and wire fraud.
Read: Virginia Man With Prior Murder Conviction Gets 18-Years For Drug Trafficking, Firearms Offenses
His wife, Deborah Hampton, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and received a sentence of time served, along with a restitution order of $21,000.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.