Home / Crime and Justice / Elderly Couple Defrauded of $10M by Trusted Assistant
Elderly Couple Defrauded of $10M by Trusted Assistant
11 Apr
Summary
- Personal assistant stole $10 million over seven years.
- Fraud continued even after one employer's death.
- Bank flagged a suspicious check, ending the scheme.
Catalina Corona, a personal assistant, has confessed to defrauding an elderly New York couple out of $10 million. For seven years, between 2017 and 2024, she allegedly siphoned funds through fraudulent checks, unauthorized transfers, and impersonation. The scheme continued even after the death of 97-year-old Richard Schmeelk in 2022.
Corona reportedly used the stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle, purchasing luxury goods and paying off credit card debt. The extensive fraud was only brought to light in 2024 when a bank detected a suspicious $1,500 check. Prosecutors state Corona now faces up to 30 years in prison.
This incident underscores the significant problem of elder financial abuse, with the FBI reporting nearly $5 billion in losses from over 147,000 complaints in 2024. Such abuse is often perpetrated by individuals in trusted positions, making detection difficult.
To mitigate risks, experts advise regular financial reviews, separating financial duties, utilizing professional oversight, limiting access where possible, staying connected with elders, and acting swiftly on any suspicious activity.
