Attorney General Alan Wilson announces man with power of attorney charged with stealing more than $10,000 from vulnerable adultRead More

The South Carolina Attorney General's Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF), in a joint investigation with the Lexington Police Department, arrested Paul M. Bostrom, 58, of Highlands, N.C., on October 12, 2026. Bostrom was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center and faces two felony charges: Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult under S.C. Code § 43-35-85(D) and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (value $10,000 or more) under S.C. Code § 16-13-0230(B)(2). Investigators allege that Bostrom, acting as the victim's power of attorney, unlawfully converted the victim's funds and assets for his own benefit while the victim resided in an assisted living facility in Lexington, South Carolina. The alleged conduct involved fraudulent intent and an intent to permanently deprive the victim of those funds and assets, with the total value alleged to exceed $10,000. The victim qualifies as a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law by virtue of residing in an assisted living facility during the period of alleged misconduct. VAMPF's jurisdictional authority, pursuant to federal regulations governing Medicaid Fraud Control Units, extends to Medicaid provider fraud, abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult charge carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent charge carries a maximum of ten years imprisonment or a fine at the court's discretion. The AG's Office will prosecute the case. VAMPF is funded 75 percent by HHS grant ($3,221,544.42 for FY 2027) and 25 percent by South Carolina ($1,073,848.14 for FY 2027).