An elderly veteran in Oklahoma City is facing a financial and emotional crisis after more than $75,000 in unauthorized charges appeared on his credit card. The situation has raised serious concerns about elder financial abuse and the vulnerabilities of those living with dementia. Among the most troubling aspects of this story is the allegation that a trusted caretaker may be responsible for the fraudulent activity. This incident highlights the importance of protecting seniors from financial exploitation, especially when they are no longer able to advocate for themselves.

Russell Lewellen, an 80-year-old veteran, lives with dementia and requires ongoing care for daily tasks. According to his son, Paul Lewellen, Russell struggles with even the simplest activities, such as ordering food. In 2022, Paul hired a caretaker, Kelly Baird, to assist his father. She was reportedly paid around $600 per week for part-time caregiving. However, over time, Paul began noticing suspicious charges on his father’s credit card. These included purchases at Walmart, Ulta Beauty Supply, and a local pet store—items Paul says his father would never buy or be capable of buying himself.

What followed was a growing list of transactions, many of them online and processed through PayPal. Paul told Oklahoma City’s News 4 that seeing the credit card statement was like “getting hit in the stomach with a baseball bat.” The emotional toll has been compounded by the financial burden, as interest and late fees caused the total debt to balloon to over $75,000. For a family already dealing with the challenges of dementia care, the added stress of mounting debt and a potential legal battle is overwhelming.

Adding to the distress is the psychological effect the debt has on Russell. Paul explained that each time his father receives a collection notice, it triggers confusion and anxiety. Due to his dementia, Russell does not remember previous notices and reacts as if it’s the first time he’s seeing the bill. These repeated emotional shocks are not just upsetting—they impact his overall well-being and stability.

Paul suspected Baird might be behind the charges and eventually terminated her employment. He also contacted the Oklahoma City Police Department to report the suspected fraud. Despite his efforts, he says he has yet to receive confirmation that any action has been taken regarding the credit card charges. The lack of resolution has left the family in limbo, still receiving collection letters and facing the consequences of the alleged fraud.

However, there has been a development in a related matter. In October 2024, Baird allegedly attempted to deposit a $5,600 check from Russell’s account into her own. Paul reported the incident immediately, but the legal charge related to the forged check did not come until July 2025. According to the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office, Baird admitted to the act when contacted by police. When News 4 reporters visited her in Calvin to ask about the accusations, she denied any knowledge of the situation, including the forged check. “I don’t know anything about that,” she told them.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance in elder care, especially when it involves financial management. The combination of cognitive decline and dependence on others creates an environment where abuse can occur undetected. While most caregivers are trustworthy and compassionate, even one case of financial exploitation can have devastating consequences.

I found this detail particularly striking: the emotional impact of repeated billing notices on someone with dementia. For Russell, each notice is not just a reminder of debt—it’s a new trauma. This repetitive distress adds another layer of urgency to resolving the case. It’s not merely about financial restitution; it’s about safeguarding the mental and emotional health of a vulnerable individual.

As of now, the Oklahoma City Police have stated they are investigating the matter and hope to provide updates soon. Meanwhile, Paul and his father continue to receive collection notices, with no clear end in sight. The story is a sobering reminder of the challenges families face when caring for elderly loved ones, particularly in the face of potential betrayal by those entrusted with their care.

For those with aging relatives, this incident serves as a call to remain engaged and proactive. Monitoring financial accounts, vetting caregivers thoroughly, and staying alert to behavioral changes can all help prevent similar tragedies. Financial exploitation of the elderly is a growing concern, and public awareness is a crucial step in addressing it.

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