Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced the arrest of Tierra Chawntell Moody, a caregiver from Moncks Corner, on charges related to the exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The charges include one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and one count of Financial Transaction Card Fraud, with transactions exceeding $500 over six months. Moody was detained at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center on February 21, 2025.

The Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) conducted an investigation revealing that between May 9, 2024, and June 24, 2024, Moody allegedly misused funds belonging to a vulnerable adult under her care. It is alleged that she used the victim's debit card for unauthorized ATM withdrawals for personal gain. The victim was residing in Charleston County at the time.

The case was referred by the Charleston Police Department and will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office. Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult carries penalties of up to five years in prison or fines up to $5,000 upon conviction. Similarly, Financial Transaction Card Fraud can result in up to five years imprisonment or fines ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

VAMPF operates under federal regulations overseeing Medicaid provider fraud and abuse cases involving Medicaid beneficiaries and residents in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

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

The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives substantial funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, covering 75 percent of its budget through a grant totaling $2,889,252 for fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by South Carolina.