North Charleston, SC – A caregiver at Ashley Gardens nursing home in Charleston County has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, financial identity fraud, and obtaining property under false pretense. The arrest, announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson on December 12th, follows an investigation by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit.
Elisa R. Niles, 42, is accused of stealing from residents of the nursing home where she worked. According to a press release from the Attorney General’s office, Niles allegedly obtained bank account information belonging to the residents and illegally appropriated funds for her personal use, as well as payments for another individual. The alleged thefts occurred between December 1, 2023, and May 24, 2024.
The victims in this case are classified as vulnerable adults under South Carolina law. The investigation revealed that Niles allegedly made unauthorized use of the residents’ funds and assets. The case was brought to the attention of VAMPF by the South Carolina Department on Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman program.
“Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults is a serious crime, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable,” stated Attorney General Wilson. “These individuals rely on caregivers for their well-being, and it is a profound breach of trust to take advantage of them.”
The National Council on Aging estimates that financial abuse of older adults costs billions of dollars annually. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association found that approximately 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of elder abuse each year. This case highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting vulnerable adults in nursing home settings from financial exploitation.
Niles faces serious charges, including two counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, two counts of financial identity fraud, and two counts of obtaining property under false pretense, with a value of $2,000. She was booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center on December 12th. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Wilson’s office. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight and robust reporting mechanisms to safeguard the well-being of nursing home residents.