Two area certified nursing assistants have been locked up for using a Grovetown man’s card to rack up $30,0000 in unauthorized purchases and cash withdrawals, according to authorities.
Victoria Simpson, a CNA with Clairborne at Westlake, and Tiffany Echols, a CAN with Consolidated Medical Staffing, were both charged over the last week with credit card fraud and exploitation and intimidation of elderly, according to authorities. Simpson also faces the same charges for an unrelated incident.
The victim is a 63-year-old Grovetown man who called Columbia County authorities in January to report fraudulent activity on his debit and credit cards. Investigators met with him and his caregiver.
The victim reported that between Sept. 1 and Jan. 14, someone used his debit and credit card information to take tens of thousands of dollars. The suspects allegedly made multiple $500 cash withdrawals at Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company. They also used the victim’s cards to make payments to Geico Insurance, Sam’s Club, and Costco.
An investigation resulted in the arrests of the nursing assistants. Echols, 46, of Washington, Georgia, was arrested last Monday. Simpson, 41, of Grovetown, was arrested on Thursday.
A CNA is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. CNAs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting patients with mobility. They also monitor vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and pulse.
