Get that, but why, why is this written out all in your handwriting and not hers? >> She told me. >> She told you to write it out? >> Yes. >> So, why didn't you tell me that up front when I asked you about all that? >> No, but this is my hand This is how I sign, but she asked me to to do the um to do the check. >> On July 25th, 2024, [music] a caregiver faced questions about her client's checks. She said the money was a gift. Eight days earlier, investigators had shown a coworker photographs from the bank. >> So, these are some photographs from a Citybank um ATM machine. >> Mhm. >> This is dated 5/9 of 2023. >> Yeah. >> Do you recognize who that person is? >> I do, yeah. >> You do? Who Who is that person in the photo? >> I think her name is Inez, but Inez or something. I'm not I'm not sure of her name exactly, but she she was a She worked there. She worked at >> Worked for Miss >> Yes. >> Some other photos. >> Yeah. >> That That would be a knee for sure. Yeah. How do you How do you know her? >> From work. From from >> Were you guys colleagues? Like work together? Same company? >> Yeah, but I don't I didn't have any like friendly conversation with her like >> Not friends, but just you guys work together through work. >> Okay. How many times do you think you've spoken with her or seen her in person? >> Well, pass by, but not like really speak like in depth. You know what I mean? >> Yeah. When you mean like pass by, what do you mean? Like see her at >> See her at work. Oh. >> Okay. So, in the you there working and then when she finished, would you come to her? >> Yeah, it's like switch switch. >> Okay. So, >> Yeah. >> every time you would show up at house to work, she was there and then she would go home and you would come in and be with her. >> Okay. >> Like a shift. She worked in the daytime, I work in the nighttime. >> Got you. >> So yeah. >> Okay. So you you've seen any a lot of times then, right? >> Absolutely, a lot of times. >> Yeah, you've seen her a lot coming in and out? >> Mhm. >> Okay. You would say more than five times? >> Yeah. >> More than 10 times? You've seen her? >> Yeah, I think so. >> Okay. So let me be direct with you. You have two options, all right? >> Okay. >> The first option is obviously I tell you don't take off running cuz I will catch you, but a bus will catch you. So I just tell you that just because. So your first option is you come with us. I put you in handcuffs cuz this is for our policy. I take you up to the to the station. Detective wants to talk to you about a case. I guess something to do with drugs. >> What was the >> I couldn't I couldn't tell you exactly. Um Uh this is you, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. One second. I won't Uh it was like some check or something like that. I >> OH OH OH I SEE I >> I'm not sure, so So this this first option is I take you to the police car. >> No, I was going to I'll tell you how it is. >> Let me let me finish. I take you to the police car. You talk to the detective. You square it out with him. >> Okay. >> That's your first option. Second option is like I'm going to be direct with you again. I put you in the police car and I just take you to jail and you fight the case in tomorrow or 30 days or whatever it is. >> Okay. I see I see what it is. It was um you know, when you're trying to do the um what's the name of it? The um the loan online? >> Yeah. >> Um it was my brother that had given me that number to call. >> Yeah. So before So listen to me. Before you tell me, I I'm not familiar cuz from me and my guys and my sergeant >> I know. I'm just trying to tell you how it is. >> Yeah yeah. We come we come pick up people for these detectives or stuff like that. >> Okay. >> So to get you quicker in the station and quicker back home are you willing to talk to the detective? >> I don't care. I don't mind cuz I know >> give him your side of the story? >> Yeah, cuz I know I didn't I >> It can only benefit you, okay? >> Sure, cuz I know I didn't do nothing wrong. That's why when they come to the house, I said >> That's why we're not putting you in cuffs now. But, we do have to escort you >> Yeah, I know what you mean. Yeah. >> And when you do go in one of our cars, you do have to get handcuffed. >> Okay, but I have to walk. Is it okay? >> All right, just raise your right hand for me. Do you swear everything you're going to tell me is the truth? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Um did they read you your rights at all or anything? All right, I'm just going to go over them again real quick just so I can verbalize it to you, too. All >> Okay. Mhm. >> Um it says I am required to warn you before you make any statement that you have the following constitutional rights. >> Mhm. >> If you have the right or you have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. Any statement you make must be freely and voluntarily given. You have the right to the presence and representation of a lawyer of your choice before you make any statement and during any questioning. >> Okay. >> If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to the presence and representation of a court-appointed lawyer before you make any statement and during any questioning. >> Okay. >> If at any time during this interview, you do not wish to answer any questions, you are privileged to remain silent. I can make no threats or promises to induce you to make a statement. This must be on your own free will. >> Mhm. >> Any statement can be and will be used against you in a court of law. >> Okay. >> Do you understand? >> Okay. So, was it Prestige Global Nursing Services? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um and what did you do for them? >> Um I was a caregiver. >> Caregiver? >> Yes. >> Okay. And did did um Ms. Wagner pay you for anything? >> No. Um she never paid me like cash. No, she never paid me cash. >> Okay. >> It was one time that I was on the phone with my friend. Um she overheard me talking to my friend and um, I was a little bit behind for my rent and stuff for my bill. So, I was asking my friend if they can let me borrow money until I get paid for the following weeks I was supposed to get paid. And when I was over, like the call was done and she's like, [snorts] I can't help you um, pay your bill. I said, "First, before I do that, I have to call the office and let them know that you're offering me help before I take anything from you." >> [snorts] >> She said, "You don't have to. It's my money. I do whatever I want to do." And I said, "I understand it's your money, but there's a policy they told me when I was getting the application done, you cannot get anything from them." She said, "You don't have to. >> [snorts] >> It's my money. Like I said, it's my money. I do whatever I want to do with it. You don't have to confirm the office. You can go ahead and get it." I said, "As long I'm not going to be in problem of it." She said, "No, you're not going to be in problem. I'm doing the offer it to you. You're not going to ask me." I said, "Okay, no problem." She said, "I needed to uh, you know, how it is if you don't pay your bill, so they're going to kick you out." I said, "Well, as long as I'm not going to be in problem, okay." >> Okay. So, did she end up giving you money? >> No, she didn't give me money. She She had give me a check. >> Okay. For how much? >> It was nice some 9,000 something. It was >> That's a lot of money. >> Yes. >> What bills were you behind that you owed that much money? >> My um, it was my rent and my um, electricity. Plus my phone bill. Like I have two mobile plus my phone bill that I was a little bit behind. >> Mhm. >> And when I said um, when she give it to me, I said, "Are you sure? Are you really sure?" Cuz you know those clients, they might they give you something and they turn around and say they never give it to you. Before Before I take I said, "Are you sure?" With all your heart, you're going to hand it. She said, "Yes, I'm the one that offered you, not not you." >> All right. So, she So, she wrote you a check for over $9,000? >> Yes. >> Okay. That was the only check she ever wrote you? >> Mhm. >> Okay. And did she write it out to you? >> Yes. >> Okay. Did um when you worked with Ms. Wagner, did she ever write you checks to pay bills or anything? Did you ever help her with any of that? >> No. She has someone that that came to the house to help. She has like a friend. >> Is that Okay. From across the street? >> Yes. >> And she would come over and help her with bills and stuff? >> like like when she wanted to pay the company, she the one that come over to to do all that with her. >> Help her with the bills and pay the company? >> I never help her with no bills. >> Okay. Never help her write checks or something? >> Don't let your cousin do all that. >> Okay. All right. So, I want to show you some things. Um So, take a look at that this photo here. All right. That's you at Citibank. I think it's dated 5/9/2023. It's about 3:07 in the afternoon on the video. >> [snorts] >> All right. That check there that's in your hand was for about $9,000. >> Mhm. >> Is that the check that you're saying that she gave you? >> Yes. The other checks, yes. >> All right. Cuz that check I know these are some photos from video surveillance, but when you when you watch the video, you know, you can see clear as day, you can see, you know, your name and $9,000 on there. Um so, that's that's the check that you're saying that she paid you to help you pay some bills? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> And it was returned. The bank the bank the bank had returned it. >> The bank returned it? >> Yeah. >> Why did they return it? >> I don't know. >> So so what happened after that when >> I didn't have to just use it cuz the bank just returned it. It was It was returned after I deposited it. It was returned. >> Interesting. All right. So that check was check 273. So this should be the check right there. >> Yeah. >> All right. Now did you write that check or did she >> She did. >> Okay. >> I never I never write the check myself. >> Okay. Cuz I spoke with her and I spoke with the neighbor and I spoke with another helper. And that's not her handwriting. This check is not her handwriting. She doesn't sign her name in print. She signs it in cursive. So >> This is my handwriting right here. >> That's your handwriting, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean that handwriting looks the exact same as the rest of it. Cuz this this isn't Miss handwriting. So why is this check filled out in your handwriting? >> No, this is my handwriting right here. It's signed in. >> Yeah, you're signing the back, but I'm saying that handwriting is the same handwriting on the front of the check. Where it says payable to you, the date, you know, Miss name is printed, but she don't print her name. She signs her name in cursive. So there. You know, the neighbor and the other helper says that you know, they help write you know, they help her with banking and stuff like that. Like this is not handwriting. So why why is this whole check filled out in your handwriting and not Miss Dish? >> To be honest, that's that's my handwriting. She the one that always help me. >> Okay. Cuz she don't she don't write like that. >> I don't know. >> And I need you to be honest with me. Obviously, you're you're here for a reason. I mean >> Yeah. >> That's not handwriting. So, why did you fill this check out? >> She asked. >> She asked you to fill it out? >> Yes. Cuz when she was asking she was asking to help. You know, so I was I Like I said, I asked her, "Are you sure? We all your home We all you that you wanted to help me." She said, "Like I said, I don't want that. I said, "I wanted to help you. You didn't ask me for help." And I said, "As long you know I'm not going to be in problem." Okay. >> Yeah, you're you're saying she wanted you to help. >> She Yeah, she wanted to help me. And I said, "You the one that said do not call the office." Cuz I was going to call the office. >> I get that, but why why is this written out all in your handwriting and not hers? >> She told me. >> She told you to write it out? >> Yes. >> So, why didn't you tell me that up front when I asked you about all that? >> No, but this is my hand This is how I sign. But she asked me to to do the um to do the check. >> Okay. But when I first asked about that, why did you tell me that was her and not you? And now you're telling me that you wrote it. [snorts] Why didn't you just tell me that up front and be honest? >> I'll be honest with you. >> Now you are. >> We all me. I wanted >> you weren't at first. Cuz you you kept telling me she wrote this. >> Yeah. >> You know, and now you can see that it's all your handwriting. You know, now you're telling me that she told you to write this out for her. So, why didn't you just tell me that in the beginning [snorts] instead of saying that she wrote it and you only signed it? I don't think you're being honest with me. >> You don't know who I am. I'll be honest. >> Okay. Well, >> honest with you cuz >> I don't think you're being honest with me. >> She now said she'd filled out the check with permission, [music] but she described receiving only one. The detective had more checks for her to explain. >> This is check 266. It's all in the same handwriting again. The front of the check and the signature. That was for $5,000. It's dated March 26, 2023. So, why did you get another $5,000 from her? >> She always wanted to help, not me. I never asked her for help. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> But, you told me she's only written you one check. For the $9,000. There's two checks. >> Did she say she didn't help or >> I want you to explain why there's two checks. You told me there was only one. >> She was helping me. >> Okay, but what you told me she's only written you one check. >> Then I asked her. >> And now you got two checks. >> I asked her then I when I need help I went to help I went to I went to go back to the bank and >> her for more checks. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, here's another one. Check 267. Same handwriting. This one's dated March 26, 2023. It's the same day. So, she gave you a check for $5,000 and then on the same day she wrote you another check for $3,800. >> Mhm. >> It's a lot of money. And then on April 17th '23, check 269 for $8,800. All in the same handwriting. >> Yeah. >> Check 270, dated 4/21, same thing, same handwriting, $5,800. All in the same handwriting. And then you have check 271, dated 4/24/23, $9,000. Same handwriting, same signature. And then check 272, dated 4/30/23 for $9,500. So, all these checks are all in the same handwriting. All within what? Just 2 months? It's a lot of money in 2 months. >> So, they all like couple of them are returned. >> It's almost 50 over $50,000 in 2 months. >> Some of them was returned. I have not the chance to use >> But where Where >> returned. >> Where did you need $50,000 for in 2 months? >> To pay my bills, to help. >> What bill? >> My rent, my >> $50,000? >> Some of Like I said to you, some of them are returned. I didn't really have a chance to use them. >> I get that some of them are returned, but that's a lot of money to be asking her for help, if that's the truth. >> Yeah. That That helped me all me. I'll be honest. >> you know, I have I have >> I have used two of them only. The one that um The one for the nine and the one was the other one. >> This one here? >> The one. >> This is the nine one. >> Yeah, the one for the nine and What's the other one? That one? Those are the This one that I used and this one I want to deposit it back for the nine and the eight and all those has returned to return to me. I have not cashed >> So So the other >> This one and the other one. >> So check 273 for $9,000 and check 267 for $3,800. >> Yes. >> Those ones you got the money for. Those ones you >> those those all all returned. >> The other ones all got sent back. >> To the bank. Yes. >> Okay. Well, >> [snorts] >> Ms. Wagner said that she never authorized any of these checks. Never wrote any of these checks. And all these checks are missing out of her checkbook. >> Trust me. I never go to her thing like I said. >> Yeah, I can see that some of them were returned cuz I have I have your bank records and I have Ms. bank records and it it shows, you know, money going in your account, money being taken out her account. And it shows some of these checks being >> Yes. So >> canceled or returned. >> Yeah. So like it was just that. Okay. >> I sat down with Ms. Wagner, you know, we had a full-on conversation. She was well aware of everything she was saying. >> She was well aware of everything she was saying to me and even the nurses that were there were saying that she's fine. She was good. You know, everything she was saying to me, it wasn't like she was lying about anything. >> Okay. >> So I just don't know. I I know you're telling me these were gifts to help you, but she is swearing that she never >> If I went there now >> authorized any of this. >> Like cuz I used to have dreads. That's all I used to have dreads. That's the only way she will remember me. >> Mhm. >> By my by my hair cuz I used to have burgundy >> Okay. >> on my hair. That's the only way she will remember. Yes, that's the only way she will remember. If I go now, she's not going to remember me. >> What are you going there for? >> I mean, I'm just saying that I'm not going. I'm just saying if I go if we go now, she's not going to remember me. She will only remember me because of my hair cuz when I used to have dreads, when I worked in that salon, she remembered me. She said, "I know you. You've been here before." I said, "Yes, I was literally here yesterday." She said, "Did you sleep here?" I said, "No, I went home and come back the next day." >> Mhm. >> She will be asking you a question like a thousand times. Even you give her the answer already. Like, you know? So, that's how it is. >> Okay. >> 11 going on 12. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So, she wrote you that check? >> Yes. >> All right. And at first, you told me that was the only check you ever got from her. >> The one that she offered me? >> Yeah. >> Like, the rest of the rest of the Yeah, the first day. >> said that was the only check you got from her. >> The first day, when I hang up the phone. >> But you told me, yes, that was the only check you got from her. >> Then I >> And then I started showing you a bunch of more checks, and then you started coming up with, oh, well, she offered me to help all these other times. >> No, like, few of them I asked. >> Yeah, you asked again. >> Yes. >> Okay. But, when I ask you, "Is this the only check she's ever written you?" You tell me, yes. But then there was six more checks. So, why are you telling me, yes, that that was that $9,000 check was the only check she's ever wrote to you to help you out? And then as I begin to show you six more checks, you start telling me, "Oh, well, you know, I asked her for help on these ones already. She offered me, you know, help with these other ones." >> Yeah, that's how it is. So, I'm telling you how it is. >> Yeah, but you're not telling me the truth because I asked you a simple question, this was the only check she's ever given you, and you said, yes. >> I'm not saying that. >> told me about the other checks until I started showing you more checks, then you started saying, oh, you know, I asked her some more times. So, when I ask you, "Is this the only check she's ever written you?" You tell me, yeah. But that's not true because there was more checks. >> But they never used. >> It doesn't matter. Doesn't matter if they were used or not. I was asking you, is this the only check you've ever got? And you said, "Yeah." Right? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Then there were six more. Yeah. So, when I asked you, is this the only check you ever got? And you told me, "Yes." Why are you telling me yes when there was all those other checks? Did you think I didn't know about the other checks? >> I never said that. >> Okay. >> I never said that. >> But you told me yes to that. >> Mhm. >> Right? So, why didn't you say no? That wasn't the only check. She's helped me out all these times. >> said no cuz I know the other was the um the other check didn't go through. So. >> but it doesn't matter. >> Okay. >> Doesn't matter whether they Doesn't matter whether it went through or not. You could have said You could have said, "Hey, yeah, this is >> I didn't know about the other checks. I never said that. >> she wrote me some other checks, but you know, they were they never went through or whatever." >> said no cuz they didn't go through. That's what I >> All right, Noel. Here's the deal. Um you're going to be going to jail tonight for the checks. All right, for check fraud. All this is going to have to try to get sorted out in court, okay? Cuz I have a sworn statement from her going over all these checks in detail saying that she never authorized you to take any of these checks out of her checkbook, write any of these checks for her. She never authorized any of this money for you. Okay? >> I just don't know why she said that, but >> That's what she's saying, all right? And you know, speaking with other nurses there, and you know, her neighbor and that, none of this makes sense that she would give you any of this money. All right? I mean, it's almost like a 2-month period where you got almost $50,000 from her. I know you didn't get all the money, but you know, every a couple days you're asking for $8,000, $9,000, $8,000. What What bills do you have that you need $50,000 in a month or two? I mean, I know, you know, I got a lot of bills, too, but nothing where I need 50 grand or nothing where if you're saying that this lady has dementia, I mean, you can't be taking that money from her knowing if you're a health aide or working for this company, a nurse company, knowing what condition she might be in, you can't be accepting that money or taking that money from her. >> I do it, I asked her. >> She But it doesn't matter. She's saying that she never authorized any of this for you. All right? And it doesn't matter whether you asked her or not. I mean, you know better if she's in that condition. And like you said, sometimes she's has the right state of mind and sometimes she don't. So, you can't be asking someone like that for all that money. She might not know that she's saying yes or she's telling me you never asked her for money and she never authorized any of these checks. So, what am I supposed to believe? >> Well, well, I'll open my I know I'm telling the truth, so >> Okay. Well, like I said, tonight you'll you'll have to go to jail tonight. You'll probably see a judge in the morning and you'll be out, probably. And then we'll just We'll probably have some court dates where we'll just have to try to figure this out with court and see what we know we can come up with. >> Okay. >> All right? If you did nothing wrong and you know, some other evidence shows that you you she gave you this money, then you're not going to be in charge, but right now everything is you know, leading that you you know, frauded her of this money. You know, cuz everything is she didn't authorize it. And right now Try to put your palms together. The other way. Like put your put your palms Yeah, that might be more comfortable for you. Come off come off your body. Come towards me, okay? All right. Bring your leg in towards me. But try to put your palms >> Yeah, with the Oh, I'll walk you. >> She was taken into [music] custody still saying she had permission. The detective said her client denied it. Behind the checks was an elderly woman who relied on care. Subscribe for more stories.