AG: Ulster County father-daughter duo stole $280K from elderly NYer

ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — A father and daughter from Ulster County have been arrested and are accused of stealing over $280,000 from an elderly New York resident in Ulster County. Frank Whittaker, 56, Kingston, and Christine Ellsworth, 38, Accord, face several charges.

According to the Office of Attorney General Letitia James, Whittaker and Ellsworth gained access to the 92-year-old victim’s checkbook and finances. Authorities say Whittaker had himself appointed as Power of Attorney (POA) over their finances, which allowed him and Ellsworth to steal her life savings.

The crime dates back to 2021. Authorities say Whittaker introduced the victim to his daughter who was hired as her “companion.” The two ingratiated themselves and convinced her their assistance was vital to her well-being.

Over the next year, authorities say the two stole over $280,000 by writing themselves over $49,000 in checks and illegally transferring over $230,000 in funds from the victim’s bank and investment funds.

Both are accused of spending the stolen funds on a new 2021 GMC Sierra pickup truck, thousands at local restaurants, stores, a jeweler, florists, and the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona and the Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

Charges:

• Second-degree grand larceny

They both were arraigned and face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

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