Home Care Employee Indicted On Fraud Charges

St. Louis, MO –ABSALOM CARLISLE, formerly of St. Louis, was arrested late yesterday on a federal indictment alleging mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the care of an elderly Clayton man between 2010 and 2013. 

According to the indictment, Carlisle arranged to care for the elderly victim, who is now deceased, through a health services company he owned.  Soon after beginning to care for the victim, Carlisle added a second American Express card to the victim’s account and began making personal charges.  From time to time, Carlisle would steal funds from the victim’s bank accounts to pay down his American Express bills.  In all, Carlisle stole more than $50,000 from the victim.  Carlisle’s malfeasance was discovered by the victim’s children after his death.

If convicted, mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 and each count of aggravated identity theft carries a penalty of two years and /or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.