PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A Broward County man was arrested over the weekend on accusations of spending his mother’s money while she was dying in the hospital.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies took 64-year-old Walter Woods into custody Saturday on several charges, including grand theft and use or possession of the personal identification of a deceased person.
According to a police report from the Pembroke Pines Police Department dated Jan. 12, 2022, Woods’ 83-year-old mother, Birtell Troup, was hospitalized on June 15, 2020 and remained there until she passed away on July 23 of that year.
Police said Woods allegedly deposited a check for $2,800 from his mother‘s bank account into his own account while she was in the hospital.
This was discovered by one of the victim’s other sons, police said.
When police reviewed surveillance video, they said Woods was identified as making the deposit at his bank by another one of his brothers.
Following the victim’s death, activity was noticed on her credit cards. Police said Woods was trying to transfer money from her accounts and credit cards into his own personal bank accounts.
Additionally, police said they retrieved audio recordings of Woods calling into the bank while impersonating the victim, and in those calls, he was identified by his siblings.
In all, police said Woods stole $6,435.44 from his mother.