Philly Leader

Carlton Rembert, a 70-year-old man from Hampton, Virginia, has been sentenced to 66 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme that defrauded elderly incapacitated victims of over $1 million. United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing, which was handed down by United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky on October 11, 2024. In addition to his prison term, Rembert will face five years of supervised release and must pay $534,335 in restitution to the victims.

Rembert's late sister and co-conspirator, Gloria Byars, served as a court-appointed guardian for more than 100 incapacitated wards in Pennsylvania. Between 2012 and 2018, Byars collaborated with Rembert and others to steal the life savings of these wards while acting as their guardian. Byars had previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud.

The fraudulent activities involved unauthorized access to the wards' assets such as bank accounts and retirement funds. Byars issued checks to shell companies controlled by her co-conspirators under the guise of legitimate medical expenses. Rembert deposited over $695,000 into several shell business accounts and withdrew significant amounts in cash through structured transactions.

Rembert falsely claimed he provided services to the victims when questioned by law enforcement. Families of some victims testified during his trial that they were unaware of any services provided by Rembert or his companies.

Both Rembert and Byars used the stolen funds for personal expenditures like vacations and retail purchases. The scheme affected at least 120 individuals in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Alesha Mitchell, another co-conspirator involved in the scheme, is scheduled for sentencing on October 24.

U.S. Attorney Romero condemned the actions taken by Rembert and his associates: “Rembert and his co-conspirators had no qualms about ripping off these incapacitated victims and living it up on their stolen money.” Special Agent Wayne A. Jacobs from FBI Philadelphia highlighted the importance of reporting elder fraud: “Reporting elder fraud is not only a step towards justice but it helps protect others from victimization.”

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer praised U.S. Attorney Romero’s efforts: “What they did was truly heinous – and truly criminal.” Amy MacNeely from IRS Criminal Investigation emphasized accountability for those who exploit vulnerable individuals: “We...will continue to hold accountable those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”

The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiwana Wright and Samuel Dalke.