United States of America v. Donald Estes

Concord, New Hampshire, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with stealing $225,200 from an elderly disabled veteran.

By Kent Morlan

Donald Estes, 49, stole almost a quarter million dollars from an elderly disabled veteran to squander on things like a snowmobile and jewelry.

“Every American owes a debt of gratitude to those who served our country, and this sentence sends a clear message that individuals who commit fraud against veterans will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts on this investigation.”

“Postal Inspectors, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, uncovered Donald Estes’ egregious scheme to steal from a vulnerable victim, all to line his own pockets and bank accounts with money he stole from a veteran,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “Today’s outcome reinforces our resolve to pursue those who exploit our service members. We remain committed to investigating those who prey on our veterans instead of respecting the sacrifices they have made for this country.”

The victim was an elderly disabled veteran who was living in a nursing home. The victim was unable to manage his own money or make decisions. Each month, the Department of Veterans Affairs deposited disability benefits into the victim’s bank account. Initially, the victim’s mother served as the victim’s legal guardian until she passed away. After, the victim’s nursing home reached out to Estes asking whether he would serve as the victim’s legal guardian. Estes never applied to serve as the victim’s legal guardian. Instead, Estes had the victim sign an agreement adding Estes to the victim’s bank account. Between August 2020 and December 2023, Estes proceeded to steal $225,200 from the bank account. Estes misspent the stolen funds on items such as a snowmobile, jewelry, and vacation, and deposited approximately $85,000 of the stolen funds into bank accounts he controlled.

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

The Defendant was sentenced to 21 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release. He was also sentenced to pay $225,200 in restitution.