Delaware State have arrested two Millsboro women after a 10-month investigation into an elderly woman’s financial records revealed two women and a man linked to theft of $129,000
The investigation began in February of 2014 when the 91-year-old Hillsboro woman and her current caregiver reported a possible theft.
The investigation revealed that a former care giver and neighbor, Tammy Lynn Willis, 53, of Millsboro had been given power of attorney and wrote checks on the victim’s account to herself.
On August 9, 2012 and April 15, 2013, Tammy Lynn Willis, wrote out checks for roof repairs in the amount of $12,076.00 for repairs that were not done. Troopers alleged that two of the checks were issued to her son, Ricky Pennington 36, of Lewes. On January 5, 2013 Tammy Lynn Willis, purchased a 2003 yellow Pontiac Aztek in the amount of $5,443.00 and used the victim’s account. Amanda Willis 30, of Millsboro received more than $11,000 in checks written out to her from the victim’s account for “in home care” which the victim never received, Troopers reported.
From December 29, 2012 to present, Tammy Willis wrote over $46,000.00 in checks to herself and used the victim’s check and credit card for purchases totaling more than $82,000.00. The total amount taken was $129,000, troopers alleged.
Tammy Lynn Willis was arrested on Friday, December 19. She was charged with the following: Theft Where the Property Value is $100,000.00 or more, Exploit Resources Greater Than $50,000.00 of an infirmed adult, and Conspiracy 2nd. She was arraigned and taken to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $61,000 secured bond.
Amanda Willis was arrested on Monday, December 22, 2014 by Troop 4 Detectives.
She was charged with Theft over $, 1500 where Victim is 62 years of age or older or Infirmed/Disabled Person (Fraud), Conspiracy 2nd and Abuse, Neglect, Exploit or Mistreat an Infirmed Adult. She was arraigned and released on $35,000.00 unsecured bond.
Ricky Pennington has not been arrested at this time and warrants are on file at Troop 4 for Theft over $, 1500.00 and Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older or Infirmed/Disabled Person (Fraud), Conspiracy 2nd and Abuse, Neglect, Exploit or Mistreat an Infirmed Adult.
