Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Columbia woman charged with stealing more than $28,000 from vulnerable adult

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) has arrested Salym M. Williams, 32 years old, of Columbia, S.C., for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult {43-35-0085 (D)}, Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses, value $10,000 or more {16-13-0240(2)}, and Financial Identity Fraud {16-13-0510(B)}. Williams was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center on July 15, 2025.

A VAMPF investigation revealed that between April 25, 2022, and November 12, 2024, Williams allegedly misappropriated funds and assets from a vulnerable adult with fraudulent intent. Williams is accused of using the victim’s personal information to open a Cash App account in the victim’s name, which was then used for retail purchases and money transfers to others. Additionally, investigators claim Williams accessed the victim’s retirement accounts, long-term disability account, and bank account to conduct electronic transfers and ATM withdrawals. The alleged scheme defrauded the victim of $28,412.47. The victim, classified as a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, was a resident of Opus Post Acute in West Columbia during the time of the alleged misconduct.

Opus Post Acute referred this case to VAMPF and cooperated fully with investigators.  This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Obtaining Signature or Property under False Pretenses, value $10,000 or more, is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500. Financial Identity Fraud is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine at the discretion of the court, or both.

Pursuant to federal regulations, VAMPF has authority over Medicaid provider fraud; abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in any setting; and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. 

Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, dba VAMPF, receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,889,252 for federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $963,084 for FFY 2025, is funded by South Carolina.