Washington, D.C.’s longtime congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, was reportedly scammed out of thousands of dollars this week in an incident now under investigation by local police.
According to a public police report confirmed to POLITICO, Norton’s credit card was charged more than $4,000 for unauthorized services performed at her home on Thursday. The report was filed by Jacqueline Pelt, a longtime aide and close ally of Norton, who is listed as residing at the congresswoman’s residence.
Police documents state that Pelt “did not authorize any work to be performed” at the home and canceled Norton’s credit cards after discovering the charges.
The incident was first reported by NBC4 Washington, which also cited an internal police report alleging that multiple suspects arrived at Norton’s home pretending to be HVAC workers. The internal report reportedly described Norton, 88, as being in the “early stages of dementia” and identified Pelt as a caretaker with power of attorney.
However, Norton’s office strongly disputed those claims. In a statement to NBC4, her office said “the medical diagnosis included in the police report was based on an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make.” The statement also denied that Norton has a caretaker, instead describing Pelt as “a longtime employee and friend” who serves as a house manager while living at a separate address.
POLITICO noted that it had not independently verified the details contained in the internal police report.
The episode has intensified ongoing concerns surrounding Norton’s ability to continue serving in Congress. The veteran Democrat, who has represented the District in the House for more than three decades, has repeatedly stated she intends to seek reelection next year despite mounting scrutiny over her health and public visibility.
Questions about Norton’s future in office have grown in recent months, particularly after her absence during President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Washington. Longtime Democratic strategist Donna Brazile recently urged Norton to retire in a Washington Post op-ed.
If Norton proceeds with her reelection campaign, she is expected to face her most competitive primary race yet. D.C. Council members Brooke Pinto and Robert White have both launched campaigns challenging her seat.
