BOISE, Idaho — Boise couple James Dougherty and his wife, Jessica Dougherty, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and obstruction of justice for trying to scam an elderly woman out of her life-savings and estate.
"Defrauding an elderly victim out of her home is a reprehensible crime," said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. "We must treat elders with the decency and respect that they deserve, and our Office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who defraud elderly victims."
According to Hurwit, the two moved into a retired schoolteacher's 46-acre ranch supposedly to help her with the ranch and horses for free rent. However, in late 2015 the elderly woman's health worsened, and James took control of her finances. He was able to get power of attorney and a new trust was made where he and his wife were named the primary beneficiaries.
Further, in July of 2017 the couple drew up an agreement to buy the ranch and labeled the selling price as what was owed on the property. The property was, at that time, worth twice the original purchase price and, according to the attorney's office, the sale is a "breach of fiduciary duty."
The couple was arrested and charged in 2022 and while they were in custody before the trial, Jessica called someone from the Ada County Jail and asked them to erase a computer located at the estate. According to the U.S. attorney, whoever received the call did as they were told and erased all files that concerned the victim.
This, in turn, led to Jessica being charged and pleading guilty to knowingly causing the destruction of records, with intent to obstruct justice.
The two will be sentenced on April 2, 2024. Each of them faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
"As a community, it is our responsibility to care for our elders. As a law enforcement community, it is our duty to hold individuals accountable who abuse their position of trust and steal from the elderly," said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge, Todd Martin.
People can report instances of elderly abuse at justice.gov/elderjustice.
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