GASTON, SC — A 44-year-old South Carolina man has been arrested and charged with exploiting a vulnerable nursing home resident, allegedly stealing approximately $48,529 while serving as the victim's power of attorney, according to law enforcement officials.
Cory Daniel Busbee of Gaston was taken into custody on February 20, 2026, by the South Carolina Attorney General's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit, as reported by local news outlets. Authorities allege that Busbee systematically depleted the victim's bank account over an 18-month period through unauthorized withdrawals and purchases.
Timeline of Alleged Exploitation
According to the investigation conducted by state authorities, the alleged exploitation occurred between March 6, 2023, and October 2, 2024. During this period, Busbee allegedly accessed the victim's financial accounts to make withdrawals and purchases that benefited himself rather than the vulnerable adult under his care, as reported by investigators.
The victim, who was legally classified as a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, resided in a nursing home facility in Lexington County throughout the period of alleged exploitation. State law defines vulnerable adults as individuals who have physical or mental conditions that substantially impair their ability to protect themselves from harm or manage their own resources.
Power of Attorney Abuse Allegations
Busbee's position as the victim's power of attorney gave him legal authority to manage the individual's financial affairs, according to court documents. Instead of fulfilling his fiduciary duty to act in the victim's best interests, prosecutors allege he used this access to enrich himself.
The alleged unauthorized transactions totaled $48,529.25, funds that were taken from the victim's accounts for Busbee's personal use, according to the Attorney General's office. These actions allegedly deprived the nursing home resident of assets needed for their care and personal needs.
Criminal Charges Filed
Busbee faces two felony charges in connection with the alleged theft. He has been charged with one count of exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one count of breach of trust with fraudulent intent involving property valued at $10,000 or more, as reported by authorities.
The exploitation charge carries serious penalties under South Carolina law, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable residents from financial abuse. Breach of trust with fraudulent intent for amounts exceeding $10,000 is classified as a felony offense that can result in significant prison time upon conviction.
Following his arrest, Busbee was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center, according to jail records.
Growing Problem of Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults represents a growing concern nationwide, with nursing home residents particularly at risk due to cognitive impairments and physical limitations. According to federal data, financial abuse affects an estimated 5-10% of older adults annually, though many cases go unreported.
Power of attorney arrangements are intended to help vulnerable individuals manage their affairs when they cannot do so independently. However, these legal instruments can become vehicles for abuse when the appointed agent acts in bad faith. State laws require individuals serving as power of attorney to maintain detailed records of all transactions and to act solely in the principal's best interests.
Understanding Vulnerable Adult Protections
South Carolina law provides specific protections for vulnerable adults, defined as individuals 18 years or older who lack the capacity to provide informed consent or who have physical or mental conditions limiting their ability to carry out normal activities or protect their rights. Nursing home residents often fall under this classification due to age-related conditions, dementia, or physical disabilities.
The state's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation targeting this population. The unit works to hold accountable those who prey on individuals unable to fully protect themselves.
Legal Process Moving Forward
As the case proceeds through the criminal justice system, Busbee will face court proceedings where prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he knowingly exploited the vulnerable adult for personal gain. If convicted on both charges, he could face substantial prison time and be required to make restitution to the victim.
The investigation appears to have uncovered a clear paper trail of unauthorized transactions, which prosecutors will likely present as evidence of systematic theft over the 18-month period.
Resources for Families
Families with loved ones in nursing homes who suspect financial exploitation should contact the South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents' rights and investigates complaints. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-677-1116.
Additionally, suspected cases of elder financial abuse should be reported to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement. The South Carolina Attorney General's office maintains a hotline for reporting Medicaid fraud and vulnerable adult exploitation.
Financial institutions are required by law to report suspicious transactions involving elderly or vulnerable account holders. Family members can help protect their loved ones by monitoring account statements, questioning unusual expenditures, and ensuring that powers of attorney are granted only to trustworthy individuals with proper oversight mechanisms in place.
💬 Join the Discussion
Comments are moderated. Please keep discussions respectful and relevant to nursing home care quality.