An Effingham County man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he exploited an elderly victim out of more than $338,000. 42-year-old Edward L. Stief, Jr. admitted guilt to wire fraud, mail fraud, and unlawful monetary transactions in criminally derived property. Sentencing is set for December 2nd at the federal courthouse in Benton.
Prosecutors say Stief gained the victim’s trust in 2023 by offering lawn care services, then convinced him to make Stief his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney. Stief became a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts, persuaded him to cash out life insurance policies, and transferred the funds to his own accounts. He also took the victim’s gold coin collection, jewelry, and watches.
In October 2023, Stief allegedly removed the victim from a nursing home under false pretenses of care, but failed to meet his medical needs.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said Stief “posed as a trusted helper… only to exploit his trust.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson called the crime “callous and reprehensible,” vowing accountability for elder fraud offenders.
Wire and mail fraud each carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison, while the monetary transaction charge carries up to 10 years.
The FBI Springfield Field Office and Effingham Police investigated the case. Victims of elder fraud can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 for help and resources.
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