Bucks County man charged with stealing over 3,000 from 15 individuals with intellectual disabilities.

A man from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has been charged with the financial exploitation of more than 15 individuals with intellectual disabilities, allegedly stealing over 3,000 during a six-year period. Quay Fetherson, 36, was taken into custody on May 27 and faces multiple charges, including financial exploitation of a care-dependent person, identity theft, and related crimes, according to statements from the Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney, Alexander Blumenthal.

Fetherson is reported to have served as a fiscal liaison for Community Options Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities in securing housing and employment. During his tenure, Fetherson developed a trusting relationship with the 15 victims living in homes managed by the organization, a dynamic that prosecutors assert he exploited to engage in fraudulent activities.

Investigators revealed that Fetherson manipulated some of the victims into signing their checks over to him, ostensibly for his personal expenses. Moreover, he is accused of forging their signatures on checks and accompanying them to banks where he would withdraw funds, which he then appropriated for his own use.

Court records indicate that Fetherson was released on an unsecured bail of 5,000 following his arrest. The charges against him span from 2018 to 2024, depicting a lengthy scheme of deception and manipulation against vulnerable individuals who depended on him for support.

As the investigation unfolds, Community Options has expressed its commitment to cooperating with authorities while voicing deep sorrow over the alleged misconduct. In a statement communicated through the Philadelphia district attorney’s office, the organization condemned Fetherson’s actions, characterizing them as a profound betrayal of trust.

The organization also announced plans to implement enhanced safeguards to prevent similar situations in the future, emphasizing the need to protect the vulnerable populations they serve. Community Options stressed its disappointment in the betrayal by a trusted employee, vowing to restore integrity in their operations while ensuring the safety and dignity of those under their care.

Moving forward, the case against Fetherson will be closely monitored as authorities continue to address the financial exploitation of individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting the importance of vigilance and accountability within organizations that provide care for some of society’s most vulnerable members.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing scrutiny and protective measures to safeguard individuals with disabilities from exploitation and abuse within care systems.

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