Ex-lawyer ordered to repay £1.2M after stealing from 95-year-old Tuskegee Airman
A former lawyer and judge has been ordered to pay nearly £1.2 million after stealing from a 95-year-old Tuskegee Airman. Patricia Martin managed Oscar Lawton Wilkerson's finances but instead drained his accounts, leaving him without funds. She was arrested, pleaded guilty to theft, and now faces severe financial penalties for her actions.
Oscar Lawton Wilkerson, a decorated veteran in his mid-90s, trusted Patricia Martin to handle his finances. By August 2020, his lifelong friend Eric Puryear discovered serious financial problems—including £41,000 owed immediately and dishonoured checks.
An investigation revealed Martin had made 11 unauthorised withdrawals over 18 months, stealing over £245,000. Instead of managing Wilkerson's money responsibly, she converted most of it into bitcoin. When Puryear confronted her, she avoided communication.
Legal action followed swiftly. Puryear filed a lawsuit on Wilkerson's behalf, accusing Martin of stealing more than £380,000 in total. She was arrested and charged with money laundering, elder exploitation, and theft. After pleading guilty, she lost her law licence and faced further consequences.
A judge ruled that Martin must pay nearly £1.2 million in damages—triple the amount she stole. The decision aims to compensate Wilkerson for his losses and hold Martin accountable for her actions.
The case has now concluded with Martin ordered to repay a substantial sum. Wilkerson, who had saved enough to care for himself, was left financially vulnerable by her actions. The ruling ensures he receives compensation far beyond the original stolen amount.
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