Delco Woman Accused Of Stealing Over $88K From Terminally Ill Man
ASTON Twp., Pa. (CBS) -- Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whalen says a woman who allegedly financially exploited a terminally ill man has been arrested.
Whalen says Melissa Deal, of Aston Township, assumed the role of Power of Attorney and was hired to care for the elderly man during the final days of his life.
Authorities say Deal is facing multiple theft charges for allegedly stealing more than $88,500 from James Mooney, who is now deceased. It is alleged she made herself his beneficiary without his consent and wrote numerous checks out to herself.
Officials say her arrest comes at the conclusion of an investigation which began after authorities received an anonymous letter saying Deal had taken advantage of the victim and his daughter, who is also a senior.
Whalen says Mooney's daughter, Jaqueline Desher, and Deal were at one time friends and neighbors.
Once Mooney was discharged from the hospital he moved into his daughter's house. At that time, Deal was hired at a rate of $30 an hour to care for Mooney, and was paid $1,000 in advance, authorities say.
Officials say in October 2013, Deal was made Attorney in fact under Power of Attorney of Mooney and the Executrix of his estate, giving Deal access to his accounts.
Authorities say a search warrant was executed on Mooney's investments accounts and authorities found Deal had added herself as one of the victim's beneficiaries, without his knowledge or consent. With this, she received more than $56,000 after his death.
Officials say the anonymous letter stated, "Melissa Deal was paying bills for her friends in order to keep them quiet."
Later in the investigation, it was discovered that one of those friends was asked by Deal to be a witness to Mooney changing his will. It was later confirmed that Deal had paid her friend's electric bill after she agreed to be a witness.
Authorities say in total, Deal wrote 28 checks to herself, her husband and/or a combination of both names, with 24 of the checks posted the same day they were written. The total amount of money Deal allegedly removed from Mooney's estate is $88,630.75.
Deal surrendered to authorities on August 26 and her bail was set at $35,000 unsecured, according to the District Attorney.
Authorities say she is charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and theft by deception and false impersonation, all felonies of the third degree.
