Columbia woman charged in stealing over $28,000 from vulnerable adult, AG says
A Columbia woman was charged with stealing money from a vulnerable adult with fraudulent intent by South Carolina’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit, according to a press release.
Salym M. Williams, 32, was charged Tuesday with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, obtaining signature or property under false pretenses worth at least $10,000, and financial identity fraud, the release from the attorney general’s office said Thursday.
Williams allegedly defrauded the victim of $28,412.47 between April 25, 2022, and November 12, 2024, according to investigators. The victim, who was then a resident of Opus Post Acute in West Columbia, is classified as a vulnerable adult under state law, according to the release.
Opus Post Acute, a rehabilitation center, referred the case to the investigative unit, which has authority over Medicaid fraud, abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries, and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, according to the release. The attorney general’s office will be prosecuting the case.
The unit’s investigation revealed evidence that Williams allegedly used the victim’s personal information to open a Cash App account in the victim’s name, which she then used for personal purchases and transfers of money to others, the release said.
Williams also allegedly accessed the victim’s retirement accounts, long-term disability account and bank account to conduct electronic transfers and ATM withdrawals, according to investigators.
All three charges are felonies under South Carolina law. Upon conviction, Williams could be sentenced up to a combined 25 years in prison and/or a fine of approximately $15,500 or more, at the court’s discretion, the release said.
Williams was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center on Tuesday, July 15. Williams was no longer being held at the detention center as of Thursday. The bonds for the suspect’s charges totaled $15,000.
