Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Phyllis J. Daniels, a 36-year-old resident of Barnwell, S.C., on charges related to the exploitation of a vulnerable adult and financial transaction card fraud. The arrest was carried out by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Daniels faces one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult {43-35-0085 (D)} and Financial Transaction Card Fraud {16-14-0060(A)}, involving amounts exceeding $500 over a six-month period. She was detained at the Aiken County Detention Center on June 24, 2024.

The joint investigation revealed that between December 20, 2021, and January 15, 2022, Daniels allegedly misused funds and assets belonging to a vulnerable adult residing at Shadow Oaks Assisted Living Community in Aiken. It is alleged that she used the victim’s debit card without authorization to obtain money, goods, or services.

The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute this case. If convicted for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Daniels could face up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000. For Financial Transactions Card Fraud involving more than $500 within six months, she could face similar penalties.

Attorney General Wilson emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

VAMPF's operations are primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a grant totaling $2,698,638 for federal fiscal year 2024. South Carolina provides additional funding amounting to $899,546 for FFY 2024.