Elder Abuse: Finchin’ in Lynchburg Gets Former Elder Law Lawyer 2 Years in the Pen.

Former Lynchburg Attorney Sentenced on Wire Fraud, Making False Statements

NOV 4, 2021 | REPUBLISHED BY LIT: DEC 14, 2021

ROANOKE, Va. – A former Lynchburg, Virginia attorney, who specialized in elder law and estate planning, was sentenced today to 24 months for wire fraud and making false statements.

Cherie Anne Washburn, 45, engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain money or property by fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises from elderly victims. Evidence showed that Washburn used the ill-gotten monies to enrich herself, including purchasing real estate and making donations to charities that her boss owned in order to curry favor.

“This defendant took the trust a client places in their attorney to always act in their best interest and betrayed it,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “Many of the victims in this case were older members of our community, making Washburn’s fraud scheme more egregious. I am grateful to Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison and the FBI for their work on this case, and hopeful that the victims have some level of closure today.”

“Ms. Washburn gained the trust of her clients to commit her criminal activity. With this guilty plea, Ms. Washburn has finally accepted responsibility for her actions; and those who were manipulated and suffered losses because of her deceit will see justice served,” Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division said. “FBI Richmond appreciates the partnership of the Lynchburg City Police Department and the Western District of the United States Attorney’s Office during this investigation. If you suspect fraud, please report it to tips.fbi.gov or to your local FBI office.”