House member Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, scammed out of $4,000, has ‘early signs of dementia’
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the non-voting delegate representing the District of Columbia, has recently been the victim of a scam by individuals claiming to be HVAC workers. The scammers charged over $4,000 to Norton’s credit card without performing any work, taking advantage of her apparent early stages of dementia.
The incident occurred at Norton’s Washington, DC, home when the suspects arrived claiming to be a cleaning crew. Norton’s caretaker/power of attorney was not present at the time, leading to the unauthorized charges on her credit card. It was the caretaker who ultimately alerted the DC police about the situation.
According to a police report, Norton, who is 88 years old, is described as suffering from early stages of dementia. This cognitive impairment has been noted by friends and colleagues, who have observed her struggles to function independently and perform her duties on Capitol Hill. Despite these challenges, Norton’s office denies the dementia claim, stating that the reporting officer was unqualified to make such a diagnosis.
Norton’s office clarified that the individual referred to as a “caretaker” is actually a house manager who oversees maintenance services. The house manager, a longtime employee and friend, resides at a separate address and was not aware of the unauthorized visit by the scammers.
The incident is being investigated as felony fraud against Norton, with the suspects still at large. Norton’s office has reported the fraudulent charges to the police and her bank, ensuring her safety and financial security. Despite concerns about her mental acuity, Norton remains determined to continue serving in Congress, emphasizing the importance of her seniority and commitment to her role.
As the investigation unfolds, Norton’s office has refrained from further comment on the matter. The congresswoman’s resilience and dedication to her position reflect her unwavering resolve to persevere despite the challenges she faces.
