MOUNT VERNON – A Mount Vernon woman and her husband pleaded not guilty in Knox County Common Pleas Court to charges that they allegedly stole $750,000 from her mother and her mother’s husband.
Lisa Braniff, 59, and her husband Joseph Braniff, 63, appeared before Judge Richard D. Wetzel on March 17 and were released on their own recognizance, Knox County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Derr said on Thursday.
Indictments were issued against the Braniffs after an 18-month investigation by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Health Care Fraud Section. Derr said the victims were Sarah Williams and Wendy Williams. Sarah Williams, Lisa Braniff’s mother, had severe dementia. She died from COVID-19 in December.
Both victims had been staying in a senior care facility in central Ohio.
The Attorney General’s Office said Lisa Braniff had power of attorney for her mother starting in 2015. An investigation revealed she and her husband began liquidating her mother’s assets and quit paying for her care. The money ran out in 2018.
Another person was then appointed to assist in Sarah’s care, Derr said. Wendy Williams at that point had passed away.
“The agent with the Ohio Attorney General’s office has been working on this case for 18 months,” Derr said. “And they presented it to us late last year.” They have continued the investigation together.
Both Braniffs were indicted on two counts of theft from a person in a protected class, which is a first-degree felony. Lisa Braniff was also indicted on a forgery count, a second-degree felony.
A first-degree felony carries a maximum possible sentence of prison from three to 11 years and a maximum fine of $50,000, Derr said. A mandatory restitution order falls under the same statutes as the sentencing.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office raided the Braniffs’ farm at 21419 Daniels Road, which the Attorney General’s Office said was purchased with stolen funds. Documents were collected.
Lisa Braniff was represented in court by Brandon Crunkilton of Spaulding & Kitzler of Mount Vernon and Mansfield. Joseph Braniff was represented by Morgan E. Giles of The Giles Law Group of Mount Vernon.
An extension of pre-trial motion filings made by Giles was granted by Wetzel on Thursday.
Derr said that typically a pre-trial hearing with defense attorneys is held to see if a resolution to the case can be negotiated. A trial date has not been set.
Incidents of elder abuse and/or financial exploitation can be reported by calling 800-282-0515.
