An elderly couple from Snellville, Georgia is facing serious charges. This is after allegedly stealing over $1 million. The names are Mary Ann Arceneaux and Ernest Arceneaux. They are 87 and 89 respectively. The couple was arrested by Georgia police. Also, they were accused of using her deceased mother’s pension payments for nearly a decade. Continue reading to learn more about the two elderly people accused of the $1 million theft.
Arrest and Charges
Mary Ann and Ernest were arrested based on the investigation. The Gwinnett County Police Department conducted this. They were charged with identity theft fraud and theft by deception. Also, these charges came after police looked into the couple’s financial activities.
The arrest warrant was issued on December 10. It was revealed that Mary Ann’s mother has worked as a teacher. She retired and moved to California in 1991. Unfortunately, she passed away in June 2010. Moreover, authorities claim that the Arceneauxs did not inform the California State Teachers’ Retirement System about her death.
Allegations of Fraud
The police allege that the couple continued to collect pension payments. This was long after Mary Ann’s mother died. They did not notify anyone about her death. This includes the bank and retirement system. A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Police confirmed this. They explained that Mary Ann failed to inform anyone about her mother’s demise.
The investigation discovered that Mary Ann started forging documents in May 2018. She submitted fake proof-of-life forms. This is to keep receiving the pension payments. Also, she created a new proof-of-life form with her mother’s name according to the sources. Moreover, she forged her signature each year.
Discovery of the Crime
Authorities located the fraud during a routine check. Officials from the California State Teachers’ Retirement System found Mary Ann’s mother’s death certificate. This was from the year 2010. This certificate confirmed that the mother had been deceased for many years. Also, the authorities noted that this led to further investigation into the pension payments.
Financial Findings
The investigation revealed that the pension payments were deposited into a bank account. This was controlled by the Arceneauxs. Then, they moved the funds into other accounts associated with them. Also, over the years, Mary Ann allegedly collected a total of $1,166,862.69. This amount represents the pension money collected since her mother’s death.
Response from the Arceneaux
When reporters from WSB-TV 2 approached the Arceneaux home, Mary Ann refused to speak. This was done to collect responses about the serious allegations. Also, she maintained her innocence. She stated firmly that she did not defraud anyone. Her silence and refusal to open the door left many curious about the couple’s defense strategy against the claims. It raised questions about what evidence they may present in court.
The couple’s attitude during this encounter has sparked discussions in the community and among large experts. Public interest in this case is high due to their advanced age. Also, the amount of money involved is high. Many people wonder why an elderly couple would engage in such alleged criminal behavior. Some community members expressed sympathy for their age. Others feel a strong sense of wrongdoing. This is especially considering the substantial amount of money involved.
Legal Proceedings
The couple posted bail following the arrest. They were released shortly after. Now, the legal proceedings begin. It will be integral in determining the rest of the case. Also, they face serious charges. This includes identity theft and theft by deception. They could face significant fines if found guilty. Moreover, they may face prison time.
The prosecution will likely state the details of the fraud. It contains the forged documents and the length of time the theft took place. Defense attorneys may argue their case from various angles. They may focus on their age, mental capacity, or other personal circumstances. The court will consider the evidence. This includes any financial records. It may also include documentation related to the alleged fraud. The testimony of law enforcement and witnesses also has an integral role.
It remains unclear if California will take action to recover the money. This was allegedly collected by the couple. Also, the California State Teachers’ Retirement System may attempt to reclaim the funds. This depends on the court’s findings. This could involve complicated legal maneuvers. This is particularly because of the couple’s age and financial situation.
Conclusion
This case is significant as it shows issues related to fraud and identity theft. This is especially concerning elderly couples. The couple will face the consequences of their actions accordingly. The legal proceedings are already ongoing. Thus, the outcome of this case may provide answers to the consequences.
