$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
Sydney Sweeney bares all in sheer dress at Variety's Power of Women red carpet

Sydney Sweeney Dazzles in Sheer Gown at Variety’s Power of Women Red Carpet Event

On Wednesday night, Sydney Sweeney made a bold fashion statement on the…
Police officer reunited with choking driver he helped save

Heroic Reunion: Police Officer Reconnects with Driver He Saved from Choking Disaster

In a touching scene on Tuesday, a Cook County police officer was…
Hurricane Melissa leaves trail of destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa Ravages Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica: A Comprehensive Look at the Devastation

On Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury as a Category 5 storm,…
Luigi Mangione gains prominence at federal jail where guards like him and inmates dub him 'ambassador': report

Luigi Mangione: The Inmate ‘Ambassador’ Gaining Popularity Among Guards and Prisoners in Federal Jail

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of attempting to assassinate the CEO of…
5 more arrests as Louvre jewel heist probe deepens and key details emerge

Five New Arrests Unravel in Louvre Jewel Heist Mystery as Investigation Unveils Crucial Insights

Law enforcement has intensified its efforts around the Louvre, apprehending five additional…
Irish firefighter who raped woman in Boston gets support from his WIFE

Irish Firefighter Convicted of Boston Rape Gains Unexpected Support from Wife

An Irish firefighter, convicted of raping a woman just before participating in…
Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets for Rangers vs. Oilers

Wager $5 and Receive $200 in Bonus Bets for the Rangers vs. Oilers Showdown

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Philadelphia radio DJ Pierre Robert, WMMR legend, dead at 70

Beloved Philadelphia Radio Icon Pierre Robert of WMMR Passes Away at 70

The Philadelphia radio community is mourning the loss of Pierre Robert, a…