A father and daughter from upstate New York have been arrested and charged with grand larceny on Monday for allegedly stealing more than $280,000 from an elderly woman in Ulster County. 

Frank Whittaker, 56, and his daughter Christine Ellsworth, 38, are accused of manipulating their way into the trust of a 92-year-old woman, ultimately gaining control over her finances and using her life savings for their own personal expenses.

According to Attorney General Letitia James, the pair began working for the victim in 2021, with Whittaker providing lawn maintenance and household assistance. Over time, they convinced the woman to appoint Whittaker as her Power of Attorney (POA), allowing him access to her bank and investment accounts. Ellsworth was named as the successor POA, further solidifying their control.

Over the course of a year, the two allegedly withdrew or transferred more than $280,000 from the victim’s accounts, using the funds to purchase a new pickup truck, dine at restaurants, shop at various stores and gamble at casinos. The stolen money was spent on a range of personal luxuries, including a $57,500 GMC Sierra truck and thousands of dollars at establishments like Walmart and jewelry stores.

Whittaker and Ellsworth have been charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and were arraigned before Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds. If convicted, they each face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

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