Authorities in Suwanee, Georgia, have issued a warrant for a former home health aide accused of exploiting an elderly Alzheimer’s patient to fund personal shopping sprees, including purchases from Shein and Lowe’s.
Briauna Michelle Powell, 30, of Stone Mountain, is facing multiple charges of identity fraud and elder exploitation after allegedly using her 82-year-old patient’s credit cards between February 8 and March 6, 2025.
According to Suwanee police, the unauthorized transactions totaled over $1,000 and included online purchases of a mattress, dog potty, motor oil, dinnerware, and rent payments.
The investigation began when the victim’s power of attorney received a fraud alert for a $236.37 charge from Shein. Further review uncovered additional suspicious activity, as well as an attempt by Powell to open a new credit account in the victim’s name.
Powell had been employed as a healthcare assistant for Visiting Angels, a home care service, before the patient was moved to another senior living facility due to the progression of her illness. Authorities also believe Powell may have targeted two other elderly patients in a similar manner.
“I don’t know how she thought she’d get away with it,” said Suwanee Police Capt. Robert Thompson in a statement. “Maybe she thought, because they were elderly and they couldn’t care for themselves, they wouldn’t notice. If you’re preying on the people that can’t take care of themselves, we take that seriously, and we want to make sure she’s held accountable.”
As of now, Powell remains at large. Suwanee police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact them.
This case highlights ongoing concerns around elder abuse and the vulnerabilities faced by aging populations, particularly those living with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s disease.
