Independence woman charged with defrauding more than $1 million from elderly woman
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Independence, Missouri, woman is charged with stealing more than $1 million from an elderly victim.
Amanda Sargent, 35, was arrested on Thursday following a five-count indictment by a federal grand jury on March 26, which was unsealed followed her arrest.
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The indictment alleges Sargent defrauded an elderly victim she met on Facebook by making false claims to the victim and receiving more than $1 million over a nearly two-year period.
Court documents say the Platte County Sheriff's Office was contacted by an elderly woman who reported that she believed herself to be a victim of fraud.
The victim met Sargent in a Facebook group that connected those experiencing homelessness to helpful resources in the Kansas City area.
In late 2021, Sargent posted a request to this group seeking help to pay for car repairs and the woman responded by sending a small amount of money.
For nearly two years, Sargent made false claims that she needed help paying medical bills for herself and her children, as well as rent, utilities and even assistance paying for a kidney transplant.
The victim believed she was helping a young family in need and sent Sargent more than $1 million from late 2021 until mid-2023.
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Sargent's claims were allegedly false, and she withdrew all the donations in cash for her own use, according to court records.
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