Jackson, MS? A Jackson County woman is going to prison for felony exploitation of a vulnerable person, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.
Melissa Webster was sentenced this morning by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Robert Krebbs after entering an open plea (meaning she threw herself at the mercy of the court) in January on three counts felony exploitation.  Judge Crebbs sentenced Webster to serve eight years behind bars, with two years of post release supervision.  Within 30 days of her release from prison, Webster is to begin making restitution (which will go to the victim?s family) with an initial payment of $2,500 until she has paid the full restitution of $62,637.43.
At the time these felonious crimes were committed, the victim was an 82 year old World War II veteran who resided in the Alternative Care Personal Care facility which was owned and operated by Melissa Webster. The victim died after residing in the facility for 33 days. On the date of the victim?s death, Webster was depositing his Social Security and VA checks into her personal account. She continued to deposit checks for several more days after he passed away.
?This case really brings home the reasons it is so important to keep a close eye on your vulnerable loved ones and their finances while they are living in personal care homes or assisted living facilities,? said Attorney General Hood.
Several members of the American Legion Honor Guard, who served at the funeral of the victim, attended the sentencing in honor of the victim.
This case was investigated by Investigator Kyle Wilson with assistance from Auditor Gilda Holbrook. It was prosecuted by Special