Birmingham, Alabama, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Mykia L. Henderson and Cynthia H. Mixon received prison sentences for their roles in a fraud scheme that targeted an elderly victim, stealing nearly $500,000. The two women, who were in-home caretakers, exploited their positions to access financial information, leading to extensive unauthorized charges and check writing from the victim’s accounts. The case, led by U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and investigated by the FBI, highlights the growing issue of elder fraud in Alabama.
Birmingham, Alabama – Mykia L. Henderson, 32, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, were sentenced for their involvement in an extensive elder fraud scheme that defrauded a victim of nearly $500,000. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona confirmed the sentences, with Henderson receiving 87 months in prison and Mixon 57 months for their roles in the criminal activity that lasted from December 2020 to February 2022.
Both women pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. As in-home caretakers for an elderly victim, they exploited their trusted positions to access the victim’s financial information. This sensitive data was shared between them and other co-conspirators, leading to a well-organized fraud scheme.
The fraudulent operations involved creating fake accounts through payment processing companies Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Utilizing these accounts, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards, depositing the funds into their own bank accounts. To further conceal their actions, they employed false descriptions to disguise the charges, preventing immediate discovery.
In addition to charging credit cards, Henderson and Mixon also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves from the victim’s bank accounts, significantly impacting the victim’s financial well-being. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Mountain Brook Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan S. Rummage leading the prosecution.
In a related case of elder fraud in Alabama, Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, 47, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for executing a Power of Attorney over an elderly relative suffering from dementia without their consent. His fraudulent activities occurred between September and December 2023, during which he misappropriated funds totaling $550,000 from the victim’s accounts for personal gain.
Pruitt engaged in deceptive maneuvers such as changing account information to his address and removing beneficiaries from the deceased’s accounts. His sentence was heightened due to obstruction of justice after he committed perjury during his trial. The FBI also investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan S. Rummage and Brett Janich managed the prosecution.
Elder fraud is an increasing concern across Alabama, highlighting the urgent need for education surrounding potential scams targeting seniors. Many elderly individuals hesitate to report fraudulent activities due to embarrassment or fear of retaliation, making it essential for family and community members to empower them with information on how to safeguard their finances.
Key advice for protecting older relatives includes being vigilant about securing social media accounts and encouraging them to seek second opinions before responding to urgent requests. For those affected by financial fraud, the National Elder Fraud Hotline offers valuable support and resources.
FAQ Section
What charges were brought against Mykia L. Henderson and Cynthia H. Mixon?
Both Henderson and Mixon faced charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
What was the total amount defrauded from the elderly victim?
The total amount defrauded from the elderly victim was nearly $500,000.
Who conducted the investigation into the elder fraud scheme?
The investigation was carried out by the FBI alongside the Mountain Brook Police Department.
What measures can families take to protect elderly relatives from fraud?
Families should secure social media accounts and encourage seniors to seek second opinions before reacting to urgent requests or offers that seem too good to be true.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Police Warn Residents About Scam Calls
Additional Resources
- ABC 3340: Mother and Daughter Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme
- Bham Now: Common Scams Targeting Seniors
- WBRC: Bessemer Man Sentenced for Fraud Involving Elderly Relative
- BBC News: Article on Elder Fraud
- The Bay Net: Pigeon Drop Scams Targeting Elderly
- Wikipedia: Elder Abuse
- Google Search: Elder Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Fraud
- Google News: Elder Fraud 2024
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
