They say you should never bite the hand that feeds you—but in this case, the hand holding the checkbook was also the one emptying the accounts.
In this publication, we're uncovering a heart-wrenching scam that took advantage of some of society’s most vulnerable individuals—intellectually disabled seniors—by someone who was paid to protect them. Let’s dive right in.
A former non-profit worker in Pennsylvania allegedly exploited at least 15 intellectually disabled seniors over several years, stealing more than $100,000 from their accounts while posing as their trusted “fiscal liaison.”
How It Works:
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Gain Trust Through a Job Title:
Quay Fetherson, 36, worked as a “fiscal liaison” for Community Options, a nonprofit that serves adults with intellectual disabilities. -
Target the Vulnerable:
He managed financial matters for seniors with intellectual disabilities, many with IQs below 70—individuals who relied on him for day-to-day money management. -
Execute the Scam:
Fetherson is accused of:- Forging checks and signatures.
- Coercing victims into signing financial documents.
- Personally escorting them to banks to withdraw funds.
- Skimming or stealing entire amounts from their accounts.
-
Cover His Tracks—Temporarily:
The fraud reportedly went undetected for years, only uncovered when his replacement conducted an audit in 2024.
Who’s Targeted:
This scam targeted intellectually disabled seniors—people who were not just financially dependent on the system but also cognitively unequipped to recognize the red flags or defend themselves.
Real-Life Example:
“Mr. Fetherson violated the trust placed in him by his employers, his victims, and the larger community,” said ADA Alexander Blumenthal of the Elder Justice Unit.
Community Options’ Incident Management Coordinator, Angela Castle, added:
“This individual was entrusted with significant responsibility and abused that position for personal gain.”
The scam was uncovered during an internal audit by a new fiscal liaison in May 2024, revealing multiple financial discrepancies linked to Fetherson’s handling of accounts.
He was arrested on May 27, 2025, and remains in custody with bail set at $375,000.
Why You Should Care:
This wasn’t just a financial crime—it was a betrayal of human trust at its core. Imagine placing your loved one’s care into the hands of a professional, only to learn they were being exploited behind the scenes.
These scams:
- Destroy lives emotionally and financially.
- Undermine trust in support organizations.
- Put vulnerable adults at greater risk of future abuse.
How to Protect Yourself or Loved Ones:
Insist on transparency: Make sure non-profits or caretakers provide regular financial reports and allow third-party oversight.
Request audits: Ask for internal reviews or external audits of accounts managed by care providers.
Stay in touch: Regularly communicate with your loved one’s caregivers and watch for changes in mood, trust, or behavior around staff.
Check banking activity: If you have power of attorney, request monthly statements and set up alerts for unusual withdrawals.
Report red flags: If something seems off, report it to local authorities or elder abuse hotlines immediately.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse—but it often goes unreported due to shame or confusion.
Pro Tip: Involve multiple family members or legal guardians when managing the finances of vulnerable individuals. More eyes = more protection.
Update: Pennsylvania has been increasing pressure on elder justice units to prosecute financial abuse cases like this one swiftly. If you suspect foul play, there are more resources than ever to help.
Stay safe, stay informed,
Keywords:
• Elder Financial Exploitation – The illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property, or assets.
• Intellectually Disabled Victims – Individuals with cognitive impairments who are often unable to recognize or report scams.
• Non-Profit Fraud – When someone within a charitable organization abuses their position to commit fraud.
• Forgery and Identity Theft – Crimes involving falsified signatures or the misuse of personal identification for personal gain.
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