An exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation uncovered a Parma Heights caregiver who allegedly stole more than a half million dollars from the elderly and disabled to fuel a gambling habit.
Lisa M. Dotson, 39, was indicted by a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury on five counts of theft, identity fraud and misuse of credit cards following an extensive investigation by Parma Heights Police.
Among the allegations:
- $633,000 from a disabled elderly victim
- $48,000 in loans from an 83-year-old victim
- $740 in monthly benefits from a disabled victim
Records reveal she allegedly cashed checks from victims' accounts every few days — often for more than $1,000 at a time.
Other records revealed thousands allegedly spent at casinos.
In addition, surveillance photos allegedly captured Dotson inside a payday loan shop where she obtained quick cash by convincing victims to take out loans.
Parma Heights Detective Adam Sloan said one of the victims, identified in the indictment as Freddie L. Knight, is the brother of Michelle Knight, the woman who was held captive for ten years inside a Cleveland home along with two other women.
Photos show a basement room where Freddie L. Knight slept on a mattress amid piles of clothes and hangers on the floor.
According to Sloan, Dotson was allegedly "caring" for Knight and allowing him to live in her basement.
"She would, like any sociopath, use her verbal skills to get in good with people," said Sloan, who said Dotson "would write herself a check from these victims' bank accounts and in other cases convince them to write her checks as a loan that was never paid back."
"What stands out to me is the magnitude of the theft," Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley said. "That somebody would take that money that is meant for their well being and care and squander it at casinos and playing lottery cards and going through $5,000 to $10,000 a week is horrendous."
Both prosecutors and Parma Heights Police are warning families to be vigilant in checking the background of caregivers.
Our investigation found nearly 3,000 other reported cases of exploitation across Ohio last year, according to Ohio Adult Protective Services data.
"Make sure that relationship does not turn into exploitation," O'Malley said.
If you suspect a family member or friend is being exploited, abused or neglected, you can call Cuyahoga County Adult Protective Service on a 24-hour hotline: 216-420-6700.
