Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stealing $70,000 from 91-Year-Old Godmother

Baltimore, Md. (October 2, 2026) – Today, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office announced that Defendant Shea Green pleaded guilty to Theft Scheme and Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult. The Defendant was sentenced to 10 years, suspending all but time served, and three years of probation, after being on home detention for 116 days prior to trial. She has also been ordered to return full ownership of the victim’s home after coercing them to transfer the deed to the Defendant in 2018. Shari Greene, Chief of the Economic Crimes and Older & Disabled Persons Units, prosecuted the case.

“Cases like this demonstrate the incredible power of a community that refuses to look the other way. The victim’s neighbors recognized that something was wrong, spoke up, supported her, and helped ensure she could remain in the home and community she has known for so many years. Their vigilance and compassion were critical to bringing this crime to light and ultimately allowing us to hold this offender accountable in court,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “No one should ever be coerced or manipulated into giving up their home or financial security, especially by someone who takes advantage of their vulnerability. I am grateful to the neighbors and community members who stood beside this victim, and I want to thank Chief Shari Greene and our Economic Crimes and Older & Disabled Persons Units for their tireless work in protecting vulnerable Baltimoreans and pursuing justice in this case. Their commitment ensured that this victim was not only able to keep her home, but will now have full ownership restored to her.”

On September 29, 2026, the Defendant admitted in Baltimore City Circuit Court to stealing $70,000 from her 91-year-old Godmother and to assuming the responsibility of power of attorney and then emptying her Godmother’s savings account within four short months. The victim was a widowed schoolteacher who had been diagnosed with dementia. The fraud was uncovered when a neighbor found the victim at home with no food in the refrigerator and realized she had not eaten all day. The community then stepped in and pooled resources to provide the victim with food. Shortly thereafter, a tax sale notice was uncovered. Adult Protective Services was called in, and neighbors helped the victim report possible fraud to the banks and obtain a check to bring the taxes up to date and preserve the victim’s home. Throughout these events, bank records show the victim had sufficient funds to pay for her needs, but Zelle transactions diverted the money to the Defendant. 

Today, at 93 years old, the victim is thriving in the comfort of an assisted living residence and frequently revisits her home.