The Durham County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Victoria Lowry, a home health care worker, on multiple felony charges related to the exploitation and defrauding of an elderly or disabled client in Durham.
Authorities began their investigation in mid-July after receiving a report from the daughter of a Durham woman. She informed deputies that several checks were missing from her mother’s checkbook. Further review showed three checks had been cashed, all made out to a former in-home caregiver.
Victoria Lowry, 33, of Red Springs, North Carolina, was identified as the suspect. She had previously worked for Lilies of Hope Health Agency based in Lumberton. The Criminal Investigation Division found that not only had checks been written to Lowry without authorization, but also several bottles of prescription medication belonging to the victim were missing.
On August 12, with assistance from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, authorities arrested Lowry at her residence in Red Springs without incident. She faces one count of Exploitation of Elder/Disabled Adult, three counts of Uttering Forged Endorsement, and one count of Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, August 14 in Durham County.
To help prevent similar incidents involving caregivers and vulnerable adults, the Sheriff’s Office provided guidance including securing financial documents and valuables; requiring receipts for purchases; regularly monitoring bank accounts; maintaining control over finances; avoiding promises or loans to employees; using secure payment methods for errands; and reviewing credit reports annually at www.annualcreditreport.com.
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