WASHINGTON, D.C. — A woman is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing more than $266,000 from her 95-year-old grandfather, using her legal authority to fund a lavish lifestyle.
Erica Hopper, 45, of Washington, D.C., was granted Power of Attorney over her grandfather in December 2020, when he was 90. But what began as a trusted family arrangement allegedly turned into a staggering case of elder financial exploitation.
According to investigators, Hopper used her grandfather’s accounts to:
Pay over $25,000 toward a new car
Cover more than $49,000 in credit card bills
Spend over $35,000 in rent for a luxury apartment in Washington, D.C.
Court documents also show charges for cosmetic surgery, luxury clothing, designer accessories, and concert tickets — all from her grandfather’s funds.
The scheme was uncovered in November 2021 when a concerned family member filed a complaint. After a lengthy investigation, Hopper was arrested on August 27.
She now faces multiple felony charges, including:
Theft over $100,000+
Theft scheme over $100,000+
Obtaining property from a vulnerable adult over $100,000+
Embezzlement
Fraudulent identity theft ($25,000–$100,000)
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Hopper was released on an unsecured personal bond following her arrest.
Officials continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults, especially in situations involving legal control over finances.
If convicted, Hopper could face significant prison time and restitution orders.
