Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Christa Porter Bennett, 51, of Easley, S.C., on charges related to the exploitation of a vulnerable adult and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. Bennett was taken into custody at the Greenville County Detention Center on June 28, 2024.

The Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit conducted an investigation revealing that between June 24, 2022, and December 31, 2023, Bennett allegedly misused funds and assets belonging to a vulnerable adult. It is claimed that while serving as the victim’s conservator, Bennett converted between $2,000 and $10,000 for personal use. The victim resided at The Residences at Greer assisted living facility during this period. The facility reported the alleged misconduct to VAMPF.

Bennett faces one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and one count of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent. Both charges are felonies carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison or fines.

The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office. According to federal regulations, VAMPF has jurisdiction over Medicaid provider fraud and abuse or neglect involving Medicaid beneficiaries in various settings.

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

The VAMPF unit receives significant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant totaling $2,698,638 for federal fiscal year 2024. South Carolina provides additional funding amounting to $899,546 for FFY 2024.