Deputies:Midlands woman charged with kidnapping, fraud in scheme against elderly victim

Richland Co., S.C. (WOLO)–Sheriff Leon Lott says a woman was arrested for multiple crimes against an elderly victim.

Investigators say on February 22nd the 87 year old victim was shopping in Sandhills when Dorothy Watkins, working under a false identity, obtained the victim’s driver’s license and gave her back one that did not belong to her.

According to deputies, on or around March 7th, Watkins, wearing a wig, showed up at the victim’s home claiming to be from the SCDMV and was checking to see if her new license arrived in the mail.

A few days later, investigators say, Watkins, again in a wig, came to the victim’s home and claimed she worked for a store and there was video footage of someone taking her license.

Then investigators say on March 12th Watkins returned to the victim’s home, this time claiming to be an investigator from the Richland Co. Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies say she instructed the victim to take her to Palmetto Citizen’s Bank to withdraw $10,000 in legal fees.

The victim then drove Watkins to the bank but was unable to fulfill the request.

During this time, deputies say Watkins stole several of the victim’s credit cards and made purchases totaling over $17,000.

Deputies say Watkins was arrested March 16th and charged with Kidnapping, Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer, Financial Identity Fraud, Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Obtaining Property Under False Pretenses, and Financial Transaction Fraud.