South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Salym M. Williams, a 32-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina. Williams faces charges including Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses valued at $10,000 or more, and Financial Identity Fraud. She was taken into custody at the Lexington County Detention Center on July 15, 2025.
An investigation by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) revealed that Williams allegedly misappropriated funds from a vulnerable adult between April 25, 2022, and November 12, 2024. The allegations include using the victim’s personal information to open a Cash App account for retail purchases and money transfers. Investigators also claim she accessed the victim’s retirement accounts and bank accounts for electronic transfers and ATM withdrawals. The alleged fraud amounted to $28,412.47.
The case was referred to VAMPF by Opus Post Acute in West Columbia where the victim resided during the time of the alleged misconduct. Opus Post Acute has cooperated with investigators fully. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute this case.
Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is classified as a felony with penalties up to five years in prison or fines up to $5,000 upon conviction. Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses carries penalties up to ten years in prison and fines up to $500. Financial Identity Fraud may result in penalties up to ten years in prison with fines determined by the court.
VAMPF operates under federal regulations with authority over Medicaid provider fraud and abuse cases involving Medicaid beneficiaries or individuals in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Funding for VAMPF comes primarily from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant totaling $2,889,252 for fiscal year 2025; South Carolina provides additional funding amounting to $963,084.
