November 25th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced today that a College Park man is facing criminal charges for allegedly filing dozens of fraudulent claims against a long-term care insurance policy purchased by his mother, collecting more than $80,000 after she died.
Gary Eugene Stewart, 49, was indicted by a Prince George’s County grand jury on 49 counts of insurance fraud, theft and theft scheme.
According to the indictment, Stewart became the legal guardian of his aging mother in 2011, managing her financial affairs and gaining access to her bank account. Beginning that year, he allegedly filed 31 claims against a long-term care insurance policy purchased by his mother from Genworth Life Insurance Company. Stewart sought reimbursement for in-home caregivers when his mother was residing in a care facility and had not received in-home care. He continued to file those claims after her death, according to allegations contained in the indictment.
Stewart allegedly deposited the money in his mother’s account which he controlled, then used the account for a variety of expenses, including purchases at Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Neiman Marcus and Victoria’s Secret, and trips to Miami and Puerto Rico.
According to the charges, Genworth allegedly lost more than $100,000 in the scheme, including nearly $82,500 that was paid out after the death of Stewart’s mother, Barbara Whittington, in December 2012.
“Through the thorough work of investigators, this disturbing alleged scheme came to light and is being prosecuted,” Attorney General Frosh said.
Attorney General Frosh thanked Assistant Attorney General Jerry Jones, and Maryland Insurance Administration investigators Thomas Zanfardino and J.C Hamilton for their work on the case.
Mr. Stewart has been charged with:
- One count of felony theft scheme over $100,000;
- 31 counts of insurance fraud over $300;
- And 17 counts of theft between $1,000 and $10,000.
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