ULSTER COUNTY – Frank Whittaker, 56, of Kingston, and his daughter Christine Ellsworth, 38, from Accord, have been indicted and arrested for allegedly embezzling over $280,000 from a vulnerable elderly individual in Ulster County. New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced their arrests on August 13, 2024.
Authorities allege that Whittaker and Ellsworth gained the trust of a 92-year-old victim by providing lawn care and assisting with household tasks. Whittaker reportedly obtained Power of Attorney over the victim’s finances, which enabled him and his daughter to access her savings. “Scammers who manipulate vulnerable seniors are stealing savings that took a lifetime to earn,” Attorney General James stated. “Instead of caring for this victim, they abused her trust and stole her life savings.”
State Police Superintendent Steven James emphasized the deceitful nature of the scheme, noting that the pair placed the victim in a vulnerable position. He praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, in bringing the case to light.
Beginning in 2021, Whittaker and Ellsworth reportedly ingratiated themselves with the victim, eventually convincing her that their assistance was essential for her well-being. Whittaker persuaded the victim to grant him Power of Attorney, which allowed him to add himself to multiple bank and investment accounts, with Ellsworth designated as the successor.
Over the following year, it is alleged that the father-daughter duo siphoned more than $280,000 from the victim’s accounts. They wrote themselves checks totaling over $49,000 and transferred more than $230,000 into Whittaker’s account. The stolen funds financed personal expenses, including a $57,500 GMC Sierra pickup truck and lavish spending at local restaurants and retail stores. They also made cash withdrawals from ATMs at Turning Stone Casino and Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Whittaker and Ellsworth were arraigned before Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds on charges of Grand Larceny for thefts committed between July 2021 and August 2022. If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
