A shocking case of familial betrayal has come to light, resulting in a prison sentence for a Florida woman who exploited her grandmother's trust for financial gain.

People reported that Tanya M. Aboseada, a 39-year-old resident of Pompano Beach, Florida, has been sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding her own grandmother out of more than $317,000.

The sentencing occurred on September 23, 2024, after Aboseada pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud in May. The case has shed light on the vulnerability of elderly individuals to financial exploitation, even from their own family members.

Elaborate Scheme To Deceive Elderly Relative

Aboseada's fraudulent activities spanned from November 2021 to August 2022, during which she convinced her grandmother to wire money into her bank account on at least 12 occasions. The victim, who resides in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, was misled by a series of false pretenses crafted by her granddaughter.

Court documents reveal that Aboseada fabricated various scenarios to justify her need for money. These included claims of needing funds to transfer a truck title, owing money to the IRS, and paying attorney fees and fines for a vehicular accident. Perhaps most disturbingly, she even concocted a story about paying off the family of a child she allegedly killed in a vehicular accident to avoid jail time.

The total amount swindled from the unsuspecting grandmother amounted to $317,049, a substantial sum that highlights the extent of Aboseada's deception and the devastating impact on her elderly relative.

Legal Consequences And Restitution Order

The southern Illinois judge presiding over the case handed down a three-year prison sentence to Aboseada for her crimes. In addition to the incarceration, the court ordered her to pay full restitution for the stolen amount, ensuring that efforts would be made to recover the funds for the victim.

Following her prison term, Aboseada will be subject to three years of supervised release. This extended period of oversight aims to prevent any potential recidivism and ensure compliance with the terms of her sentence.

The case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative, a program designed to combat various forms of elder abuse, including financial fraud targeting senior citizens.

Officials Condemn Exploitation Of Elderly

U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe condemned Aboseada's exploitation of her grandmother, highlighting the unique harm caused by familial deceit. She also praised the collaboration with the FBI in securing justice for the victim.

FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional manipulation inherent in such cases:

The fraud perpetrated by Tanya Aboseada relied on the love and devotion of a family member, which is in many ways more heartless than when the perpetrator is a stranger.

Johnson reaffirmed the FBI's commitment to pursuing justice for elderly victims of fraud and prioritizing cases involving the deliberate targeting of vulnerable seniors.

Heightened Focus On Elder Justice

The case against Aboseada underscores the importance of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative. This program dedicates federal resources to combating various forms of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation targeting older adults in the United States.

U.S. Attorney Crowe emphasized the significance of this initiative in a previous statement, noting the allocation of federal resources to address crimes against senior citizens. The partnership between the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI has been crucial in holding offenders accountable, particularly in cases involving familial exploitation.

Former FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz previously commented on the unique challenges posed by crimes against the elderly:

Older Americans are too often the target of scammers who hide behind computer screens while stealing money. But criminals who steal the hard-earned life savings of their own family members demonstrate an even greater disregard for this vulnerable population.

Nanz reiterated the FBI's commitment to investigating and holding accountable those who seek to harm seniors through financial exploitation or other means.

Why This Story Matters

The importance of this story extends beyond the courtroom; it resonates in the homes of every community member. It serves as a stark reminder that financial exploitation can occur within one's own family, often the last suspected venue for such deceit.

Highlighting such cases fosters greater awareness and preventative actions among other families, potentially saving other elderly individuals from similar fates. It also underscores the critical role that judicial systems and federal initiatives like the Elder Justice Initiative play in safeguarding the nation's vulnerable seniors.

Conclusion

A Florida woman, Tanya M. Aboseada, was sentenced to three years in prison for scamming her grandmother out of $317,000 by convincing her to wire money under false pretenses. Aboseada pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud, and in addition to her sentence, she must pay full restitution and serve three years of supervised release. The case was part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, highlighting the serious issue of elder financial abuse.