Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced that Annette Bolden Coard, a 54-year-old resident of Sumter, S.C., has been arrested for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and Financial Identity Fraud. Coard was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center on April 5, 2024.

According to the joint investigation by the SCMFCU and the Sumter Police Department, Coard allegedly misused the funds and assets of a vulnerable adult by using the victim's personal identifying information. It is alleged that Coard, while employed at Carriage House/Patriot Living in Sumter, unlawfully appropriated funds for herself using the victim's personal checks and checking account number. The victim, a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, was residing at the assisted living facility during the time of the alleged misconduct.

Attorney General Wilson stated, "This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office." Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and Financial Identity Fraud are both felony charges with severe penalties upon conviction.

Wilson also emphasized the presumption of innocence, stating, "All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law."

The SCMFCU, which receives federal funding, has authority over cases involving Medicaid provider fraud, abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries, and the mistreatment of individuals in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

The SCMFCU is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with Attorney General Wilson highlighting the importance of addressing and prosecuting cases of exploitation and fraud against vulnerable individuals.