St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Department of Justice on behalf of its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“MFCU”) has arrested Henrietta Harlow in connection with an investigation involving the alleged financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect of an elderly vulnerable adult suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia.
According to the Affidavit in Support of Arrest Warrant filed by the MFCU, investigators determined that the victim, an elderly woman requiring twenty-four-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, suffered from progressive cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s dementia. Investigators further determined that the defendant, the victim’s daughter, exercised authority over the victim’s financial affairs through a General Power of Attorney and Durable Power of Attorney while the victim lacked the capacity to independently manage her financial and personal affairs.
The investigation alleges that, while occupying a position of trust and control over the victim’s finances and property, the defendant engaged in a pattern of withdrawals, transfers, and other financial transactions involving the victim’s funds and property for her own benefit. Investigators determined that the defendant obtained control over funds and assets belonging to the victim totaling approximately One Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty-Nine Dollars and Sixty-Nine Cents ($133,769.69), in addition to obtaining control over the victim’s home— a two-story residential property consisting of two one-bedroom apartments on the first floor and a three-bedroom unit on the upper floor — as well as rental income generated from the property. Investigators determined that, through the transfer of the victim’s property and the rental income generated from that property, the defendant obtained control over assets belonging to the victim with a value significantly exceeding the funds withdrawn from the victim’s bank account.
The investigation revealed, after being added to the victim’s bank account, the defendant established a monthly standing order authorizing the automatic transfer of the victim’s Social Security funds and other monies from the victim’s account into an account controlled by the defendant. Records obtained during the investigation reflected that these automatic monthly transfers remained in place for years while the victim was suffering from significant cognitive decline and required supervision, resulting in repeated transfers of funds from the victim’s account for the defendant’s benefit.
The investigation further revealed that, despite having access to the victim’s financial resources and the ability to secure care and services for the victim, the defendant allegedly failed to provide adequate supervision, hygiene, nutrition, medical attention, and safe living conditions. Investigators further determined that the defendant allegedly refused to purchase or pay for basic necessities for the victim, including hygiene items, food, clean bedding, clothing, and caregiving assistance, despite having access to and control over the victim’s funds and property. Witness statements further reflected that the victim was at times left hungry and without adequate food in the home, requiring Homemakers aides and other Department of Human Services personnel to purchase food and basic necessities for the victim using their own personal funds.
Records, witness statements, photographs, and medical documentation obtained during the investigation reflected that the victim was repeatedly found in severely unsanitary and neglectful conditions, including lying in urine-soaked bedding, suffering from dehydration, acute kidney injury, infections, and bed sores associated with prolonged immobility and inadequate care. Investigators further determined that the residence was in deplorable condition, including reports of rodent infestation, food debris, contaminated and urine-soaked bedding, unsanitary living conditions, and an overall environment unfit for a vulnerable adult requiring full-time care and supervision.
Investigators further determined that family members residing outside the Territory were paying individuals to assist in caring for the victim and intervening to prevent utility disconnections and other unsafe conditions while the defendant allegedly maintained control over and used the victim’s financial resources for her own benefit.
An out of territory family member described the victim’s condition as follows:
“[Victim] was lying on a bed in a compromised physical state, appearing stiff and unable to move properly. The sleeping area was unsanitary, with food debris, ants and other contaminants present on and around the bed.”
Another out-of-territory family member reported that the victim was at times found lying on a mattress without sheets, in urine-soaked conditions, and unable to move without assistance.
Investigators further determined that the victim developed serious bodily injuries, including pressure ulcers and significant physical deterioration, while dependent upon the defendant for care and while the defendant maintained control over the victim’s financial resources.
The defendant was arrested on charges including:
- Criminal Neglect of an Older or Dependent Adult, in violation of Title 34 Virgin Islands Code § 469;
- Financial Abuse of an Older or Dependent Adult, in violation of Title 34 Virgin Islands Code § 470(a); and
- Financial Exploitation of an Older or Dependent Adult, in violation of Title 34 Virgin Islands Code § 470(b).
Attorney General Gordon Rhea stated:
“The Virgin Islands Department of Justice remains committed to protecting elderly and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Individuals who exploit positions of trust for personal gain while placing vulnerable persons at risk of harm will be held accountable.”
The MFCU thanks the Department of Human Services Homemakers Program, medical providers, and partner agencies that assisted during the investigation.
The charges contained in the arrest warrant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is 100 percent funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. MFCU investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud and the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults receiving health care services or residing in health care facilities or community-based settings.
Anyone with information concerning Medicaid fraud or the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult may contact the MFCU at 888-404-MFCU (6328) or the Virgin Islands Department of Justice at 774-5666 ext. 10122.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov