Woman steals $62k from deceased WWII vet

Melissa Webster (pictured) has been sentenced to eight years for depositing checks into her account that belonged to a World War II veteran in her personal care home.

From The Mississippi Link Newswire

JACKSON – A Jackson County woman is going to prison for felony exploitation of a vulnerable person.

Melissa Elaine Webster, 41, was sentenced by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Robert Krebbs after entering an open plea in January on three counts felony exploitation. Judge Krebbs sentenced Webster to serve eight years behind bars, with two years of post release supervision. Within 30 days of her release from prison, Webster is to begin making restitution – which will go to the victim’s family – with an initial payment of $2,500 until she has paid the full restitution of $62,637.43.

At the time these felonious crimes were committed, the victim was an 82-year-old World War II veteran who resided in the Alternative Care Personal Care facility which was owned and operated by Webster in Ocean Springs.

The victim died after residing in the facility for 33 days.

On the date of the victim’s death, Webster was depositing his Social Security and VA checks into her personal account. She continued to deposit checks for several more days after his death.

“This case really brings home the reasons it is so important to keep a close eye on your vulnerable loved ones and their finances while they are living in personal care homes or assisted living facilities,” said Attorney General Hood.

Several members of the American Legion Honor Guard, who served at the funeral of the victim, attended the sentencing in honor of the victim.

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