Lexington County Man Charged with Stealing Over $48,000 from Nursing Home Resident

Authorities say the suspect exploited a vulnerable adult by making unauthorized withdrawals and purchases.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 44-year-old man from Gaston, South Carolina has been arrested and charged with exploiting a vulnerable adult after allegedly stealing more than $48,000 from a nursing home resident. Cory Daniel Busbee, who served as the victim's power of attorney, is accused of accessing the victim's bank account to make unauthorized withdrawals and purchases for his own personal use between March 2023 and October 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable adults, especially those residing in nursing homes, from financial exploitation. Power of attorney roles come with a responsibility to act in the best interest of the individual, and this alleged abuse of that trust is a serious crime.

The details

Busbee faces one count of exploitation of a vulnerable adult and one count of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, value $10,000 or more. He was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center on February 20, 2026. Authorities say the transactions Busbee made were for his own personal use and deprived the victim, who is legally classified as a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, of those assets.

  • Between March 6, 2023 and October 2, 2024, Busbee allegedly exploited the victim.

The players

Cory Daniel Busbee

A 44-year-old man from Gaston, South Carolina who has been charged with exploiting a vulnerable adult by stealing over $48,000 from a nursing home resident while serving as the victim's power of attorney.

South Carolina Attorney General's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit

The unit that arrested Busbee and is investigating the case of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

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What’s next

Busbee is currently being held in the Lexington County Detention Center. The judge will decide on his bail status at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect vulnerable adults, especially those in nursing homes, from financial exploitation by those entrusted to care for them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully vetting power of attorney arrangements and monitoring the actions of those granted such authority.