Springfield Woman Stole $337K From Elderly Mother: DA

SPRINGFIELD, PA — A Springfield woman has been charged with felony crimes after allegedly stealing more than $337,000 from her elderly mother over several years, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office said.

District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland said Monday that Bernadette Branson-Lawler, 52, of Springfield, is charged with stealing $337,715 from her 78-year-old mother over a period of nearly seven years.

Branson-Lawler is accused of using the allegedly stolen money to pay for various personal expenses, such as her interior design business, gym membership, and cell phone, in addition to writing herself personal checks, the DA's office said.

She has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and false impression, and receiving stolen property, all of which are second-degree felony offenses, authorities said.

Branson-Lawler was arraigned on Jan. 25 and had an unsecured bail set at $10,000. She is slated for a preliminary hearing Feb. 5.

In September 2017, an investigation began after authorities got information on a possible financial exploitation of a 78-year woman at an assisted living facility in Delaware County.

The victim is non-verbal, and is predeceased by her husband who died in August 2009.

Following the death of her husband, the victim appointed her daughter, Branson-Lawler, as her agent under Power of Attorney, the DA's office said.

Branson-Lawler remained as agent for the victim until July 2013 when she petitioned the Orphan's Court of Delaware County to become guardian for her mother due to her diminished mental capacity and other health related issues, according to the DA's office.

Branson-Lawler was appointed plenary guardian by the court until she was removed by the Orphan's Court in October 2017 and replaced by a court appointed attorney, who acted as the victim’s guardian ad litem, the DA's office said.

In January 2013, Brandon-Lawler sold her mother’s house in Springfield Township for $269,000 dollars. After the sale of the victim’s home, Branson-Lawler moved her mother to an assisted living facility.

Later in July 2017, Branson-Lawler did not file the annual guardian's inventory and the annual reports of the person and the estate, as required by the Delaware County Orphan’s Court, the DA's office said.

After failing to submit the paperwork and not appearing for court, a court appointed attorney reviewed the victim’s financial records and found suspicious withdrawals made by Brandon-Lawler, according to the DA's office.

When questioned, Branson-Lawler admitted that she withdrew money from her mother’s accounts for personal expenses, such as her interior design business, her electric bill, insurance bill, cell phone, gym membership, in addition to writing herself checks, the DA's office said.

After getting this information, Branson-Lawler was removed by court order as victim’s guardian and a criminal investigation into the fraud got underway.

During the investigation and a forensic analysis of financial records, authorities determined Branson-Lawler stole a total of $337,715.61 from the victim, from January 2011 to October 2017.

Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Senior Exploitation Unit Erica Parham will be prosecuting the case.

If you suspect a senior resident is being financially victimized, please contact the Senior Exploitation Unit at (610) 891-5249 or email seniorcrimes@co.delaware.pa.us.

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office