$75K stolen from veteran with dementia; Son thinks caretaker is to blame
Share and Follow


OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An elderly Oklahoma City veteran is facing dozens of thousands of dollars in false credit card charges. His son believes his former caretaker could be to blame. She is already charged with forging a check in his name.

“I’m mad, I’m sad, just all of it,” said Paul Lewellen.

Paul’s father, Russell, is 80 years old with dementia. He is said to have a hard time doing basic things.

“He can hardly order his pizza; he needs around-the-clock care, and right now I can’t do that,” said Paul.

So, he said in 2022 that he hired a caretaker, Kelly Baird. Paul also said they had paid her around $600 a week for a certain amount of time per day.

He started getting charges on his father’s credit card, which he said wasn’t something his father could or even would buy.

Paul said hundreds were charged at a Walmart nearby, another couple of hundred were charged at Ulta Beauty Supply, and another at a local pet shop.

“There were so many charges made online, though,” said Paul.

He showed affiliate KFOR the credit statement, and it listed dozens, if not more, that were charged on PayPal.

“It’s like getting hit in the stomach with a baseball bat,” said Paul.

Paul suspected that it was Baird, so he said he eventually fired her and called the Oklahoma City Police.

Eventually, with interest, those charges started adding up, he said. As of today, his father owes over $75,000.

“It’s unreal, it’s unbelievable,” said Paul.

Another part of the story is that his father has such serious conditions with his dementia that every time he sees a bill for it, it’s like the first time he has seen it.

“He gets a collection letter now, twice a month; it’s a trigger for him. It’s like it’s his first time seeing it, and it takes a while to get him down from something like that,” said Paul.

Paul said he didn’t expect to see anything instantly, as to charges or any information. But as of today, he still doesn’t know if anything has been done about it.

In October 2024, Baird is alleged to have tried to use Russel’s checkbook to deposit a check of $5,600 into her bank account. Paul said he called about that too, right away, but the charge didn’t come until July 2025.

According to the charge filed by the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office, she was contacted by police, and she admitted to doing so.

KFOR drove to Calvin to ask Baird about the charge and the accusation from Paul. She said she knew nothing about any of it.

When she was asked about the check and that officials had that she admitted to writing it, she denied knowing anything about that, too.

“I don’t know anything about that,” said Baird.

KFOR emailed and texted the Oklahoma City Police on Thursday, and they said they are looking into the case and hope to have more soon.

For now, Paul and his father continue getting the bills and information about the credits going to collections.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Paul.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Video shows teen thrown off e-bike at skate park; Jacksonville officer arrested

Video Captures Teen Ejected from E-Bike at Skate Park; Jacksonville Officer Faces Arrest

A 36-year-old named Stephen Hicks is facing battery charges following an altercation…
Alexander brothers trade trophy listings for jury trial as accuser’s recent death shadows case

Alexander Brothers Face Jury Trial as Accuser’s Recent Passing Casts a Shadow Over High-Profile Case

The once-dominant figures in the world of luxury real estate, brothers Tal…
This week on The Hill: Lawmakers scramble to avert partial shutdown

This Week on Capitol Hill: Legislators Work Diligently to Prevent Partial Government Shutdown

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate find themselves in a critical…
Families sue TikTok over deaths of their children after apparent 'choking challenge'

Heartbreaking Lawsuits Filed Against TikTok: Families Demand Justice After Tragic ‘Choking Challenge’ Deaths

In Wilmington, Delaware, six families have taken legal action against TikTok, alleging…
WestJet rolls back denser seating on some planes after complaints

WestJet Listens to Passengers: Reverts to Spacious Seating on Select Flights

In response to traveler feedback, an airline has announced plans to enhance…
Dolly Parton releases new music to celebrate 80th birthday

Dolly Parton Debuts New Music Collection in Honor of Her 80th Birthday Celebration

Dolly Parton is ringing in her 80th birthday with a musical treat…
Anti-ICE agitators occupy Minnesota Target store, demand retailer stop helping federal agents

Protesters Rally at Minnesota Target, Urge End to Store’s Collaboration with ICE Agents

In Minnesota, protesters opposing ICE took over a Target store on Monday,…
Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating Miami 27-21 in CFP final

Indiana Hoosiers Make History: Undefeated Season Culminates in First National Title Victory Over Miami in CFP Final

The Indiana Hoosiers made history by defeating Miami with a score of…