Attorney Prim F. Escalona | U.S. Department of Justice
A Bessemer resident has been found guilty in an elder fraud case, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, aged 47, was convicted of two counts of wire fraud after a jury returned a guilty verdict following two days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that in September 2023, Pruitt executed a Power of Attorney over an elderly family member suffering from dementia without the victim's consent. Between September and December 2023, he engaged in fraudulent activities by becoming a joint account holder on the victim’s bank accounts, altering the address associated with these accounts to his own, and modifying the payable on death beneficiaries. Pruitt transferred $550,000 from the victim's accounts into his personal accounts for personal use and moved $500,000 to a new account excluding the victim as an account holder. When confronted about his actions, Pruitt provided various inconsistent explanations.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan S. Rummage and Brett Janich are handling the prosecution.
Authorities emphasize that consumer reporting is vital for investigating and prosecuting fraud schemes targeting older adults. Individuals aged 60 or older who have fallen victim to financial fraud can reach out to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Managed by the Office for Victims of Crime under the U.S. Department of Justice, this hotline offers personalized support to victims through experienced professionals who assess needs and guide next steps. Reporting agencies are identified for callers, who may also receive direct connections to appropriate agencies along with resources and referrals based on individual cases. Prompt reporting can help authorities identify perpetrators and potentially recover losses incurred due to fraud. The hotline operates from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, with services available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Further information regarding elder justice efforts can be accessed via www.elderjustice.gov. Victims are encouraged to file complaints online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or by calling 1-800-225-5324.
