Exploitation of Elderly Victim
James Dougherty, 43, and his wife, Jessica Dougherty, 42, from Boise, have pleaded guilty to charges related to wire fraud and obstruction of justice. In 2015, the couple moved into the 46-acre ranch of an elderly victim, a retired elementary schoolteacher, offering assistance with ranch and horse care in exchange for free rent. As the victim’s health deteriorated, James gained control of her finances, executed a trust naming the Doughertys as primary beneficiaries, and transferred the ranch to them. He used the victim’s funds without consent for personal expenses, leading to a breach of fiduciary duty.
Financial Manipulation and Fraudulent Sale
James Dougherty, acting as trustee, accessed and transferred the victim’s funds for personal use, including rehabilitating his and Jessica’s credit. In 2017, they agreed to purchase the ranch from the trust, with James selling it to himself and Jessica for less than its market value, a breach of fiduciary duty. The sale was not public, and the purchase price was insufficient, considering the ranch’s actual value. James admitted to acting with intent to defraud in this scheme, defrauding an elderly individual out of her home and financial assets.
Obstruction of Justice and Legal Consequences
Upon their arrest in August 2022, Jessica Dougherty, while in pretrial custody, requested the destruction of records on a Dell laptop at the ranch. Following her request, relevant records in the investigation were permanently destroyed. Jessica pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, acknowledging her role in deliberately obstructing the Department of Justice’s investigation. Both James and Jessica Dougherty face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and are scheduled for sentencing on April 2, 2024. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit emphasized the reprehensible nature of defrauding elderly victims and the commitment to prosecute such crimes.