March 26, 2018
Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced that Vicky Jo Adams, 62, of Douglas County, was arrested on one count of theft and one count of exploitation of an older person, both category “B” felonies. The alleged crimes were committed between April and December, 2017.
According to the criminal complaint, Vicky Jo Adams was designated as the caregiver of her 93-year-old father John Lindblade and his estate. As a caregiver, Vicky Jo Adams was entrusted with funds for the limited purpose of providing for her father’s care. However, she allegedly subsequently converted more than $250,000 of her father’s funds for her own personal use.
“My office works to ensure that all Nevadans are protected and safe, regardless of their age and living arrangements,” said Laxalt. “And we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those seeking to defraud or exploit our vulnerable elderly population.”
In July, 2016, the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee unanimously approved AG Laxalt’s request to combat increasing financial fraud within the State using non-taxpayer settlement funds awarded to his Office. AG Laxalt’s request included the allocation of more than $400,000 of non-taxpayer settlement funds to the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada in order to boost their capacity to fight civil guardianship exploitation and abuse. In the 2017 Legislative Session, AG Laxalt received approval to allocate approximately $250,000 in non-taxpayer settlement funds to Washoe County Legal Services which provides pro-bono legal support to Nevada’s rural counties.
The State of Nevada v. Adams criminal complaint represents the sixth elder exploitation criminally charged by the Office of the Nevada Attorney General. A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The case against Vicky Jo Adams is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Tirzah Mathews. To view the filed criminal complaint against Vicky Jo Adams, click here.
LINDBLADE, VICKY JO
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