A Florida woman has copped to swindling her own grandmother out of a hefty sum, pleading guilty to a federal case that could see her behind bars for decades. Tanya M. Aboseada, 38, of Pompano Beach, faces up to 20 years in prison per count after admitting to 12 counts of wire fraud, according to federal prosecutors.
The deceit unfolded between November 2021 and August 2022, when Aboseada bilked more than $300,000 from her elderly relative in Cahokia Heights, convincing the senior to wire cash for a variety of fabricated reasons. The schemer spun tales of owing money to the IRS, needing cash to transfer a truck title, paying attorney fees after a car accident, and even shelling out hush money to a family for allegedly killing their child in a vehicular mishap—a story wholly conjured, as reported by the Department of Justice.
During her court appearance this past Wednesday, Aboseada admitted to the grand total theft of $317,049—an act of betrayal against her own flesh and blood. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe highlighted the case in the context of the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, stating, "The Department’s Elder Justice Initiative dedicates federal resources to combat abuse and financial crimes targeted at senior citizens. ’m thankful for our partnership with the FBI to hold offenders accountable, and in this case, a criminal who stole from and victimized her elderly family member."
Special Agent in Charge David Nanz of the FBI's Springfield Field Office took a strong stance against elder exploitation, remarking, "Older Americans are too often the target of scammers who hide behind computer screens while stealing money. But criminals who steal the hard-earned life savings of their own family members demonstrate an even greater disregard for this vulnerable population." The exacting arm of the law presses heavy upon those who prey on the aged, as the FBI promises unyielding pursuit and rightful retribution.
The court has scheduled Aboseada's sentencing for August 13. Until then, justice hangs in the balance, weighted with the sorrow of an elderly woman's breached trust and a granddaughter's tarnished honor. The investigation, led by the FBI Springfield Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Kathleen Howard, puts the spotlight once again on the enduring plight of our seniors against financial predators.
