ROCKINGHAM — Sallie Jean Patterson, 68, of Hawkins Drive, was arrested on multiple felony charges following a months-long financial crimes investigation, according to a media release from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Financial Crimes investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division have been investigating the case since October 2024. Patterson, who worked as an in-home caregiver for the victim, is alleged to have committed the offenses while in that role, they said.
Investigators charged Patterson with 175 felony counts, including 59 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, 59 counts of uttering forged instruments, 56 counts of larceny of chosen actions, and one count of exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult involving $20,000 to $100,000.
“I will not tolerate criminals who exploit our elderly population or threaten their financial security,” Sheriff Mark B. Gulledge said in the media release. “This case highlights the value of dedicating investigators to specialized crime areas so they can concentrate on challenging, long-term investigations.”
Obtaining property by false pretenses in North Carolina (N.C.G.S. § 14-100) is a felony involving knowingly using deception—such as lies, fake documents, or false promises—to obtain money, goods, or services with the intent to defraud.
Patterson was processed and booked into the Richmond County Jail under a $100,000 secured bond.