Palmetto State News

Attorney General Alan Wilson today announced efforts to raise public awareness of crimes against vulnerable adults, including a name change for the unit that investigates and prosecutes these crimes. The announcement coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

Attorney General Wilson acknowledged the work of his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit in investigating and prosecuting these crimes within the state. “This office historically has investigated and prosecuted crimes against vulnerable adults, but a lot of people have no idea we even do that. So today, we are doubling our efforts by increasing awareness through outreach,” Attorney General Wilson said.

The unit previously known as the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has been renamed to better reflect its scope. "Even many law enforcement officers had no idea the unit handles crimes against vulnerable adults," Wilson noted.

South Carolina’s vulnerable adult population, mainly older citizens and those with intellectual impairments, often suffer from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Over the past two years, the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit has increased outreach efforts to local law enforcement, resulting in a 30% increase in reports from law enforcement agencies. This specialized unit collaborates with law enforcement on cases, provides training, and accepts referrals to address experience, training, and manpower issues faced by local agencies.

Chief of Orangeburg Public Safety Charles Austin highlighted the benefits of these partnerships. He stated that working together has led to uncovering heinous crimes and holding perpetrators accountable, thereby restoring safety and dignity to vulnerable adults.

Cases identified across the state include instances such as nurses stealing prescription medicine and replacing it with over-the-counter medications, as well as facility administrators locking residents in their rooms without food, water, prescriptions, or air conditioning.

Local law enforcement members seeking more information are encouraged to contact the unit. Suspected abuse can be reported via the hotline at 1-888-NO-CHEAT. If a report cannot be handled by this office directly, it will be forwarded to appropriate authorities.

The SCMFCU receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant totaling $2,698,638 for federal fiscal year 2024. The remaining 25 percent is funded by South Carolina amounting to $899,546 for FFY 2024.