Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced charges against Malcolm Andrew Kidd, a 42-year-old resident of Anderson, S.C. Kidd faces accusations involving the exploitation of a vulnerable adult and several financial crimes. According to Wilson's statement, Kidd was arrested by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) on January 30, 2025.

The charges include one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent valued at $10,000 or more, and three counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud with values exceeding $500 within six months. These offenses are said to have occurred between August 18, 2022, and August 22, 2024.

Investigations suggest that Kidd unlawfully used funds entrusted to him as the victim’s power of attorney for personal gain. The total amount allegedly misappropriated is $119,825.58. Additionally, it is claimed that he used the victim's debit card without consent between October 21, 2022, and July 29, 2024. The victim resided in NHC Healthcare Anderson and Maples at Austin Place in Honea Path during these incidents.

A concerned citizen referred this case to VAMPF for investigation. The prosecution will be handled by the Attorney General’s Office. "Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is a felony and carries penalties including up to five years in prison or fines," according to official statements from Wilson's office.

The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit operates under federal regulations with authority over Medicaid provider fraud cases along with abuse cases involving Medicaid beneficiaries in various settings. Funding for VAMPF includes a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services totaling $2,889,252 for fiscal year 2025.

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