Salisbury woman found guilty in theft scheme of a terminally ill patient

A Salisbury woman and former caregiver has been found guilty of a theft scheme where prosecutors say she stole the credit card of a terminally ill patient to purchase beauty products and spa treatments.

Fedia Dorlus, 25, of Salisbury, Maryland was found guilty of the theft scheme – from $100 to $1,500 in Snow Hill District Court on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

The charges stem from a report of theft and credit card offenses made to the Ocean Pines Police Department in March of 2019.

Police met with family members of the elderly victim, who had succumbed to her terminal illness just days before.

Distraught family members told officers that the victim’s credit card, which was kept in her purse by her bed, had been used at several locations in Salisbury during the time that she was under care at her home in Ocean Pines.

Police identified one of her caregivers as Dorlus, who told officers the victim had given her the credit card and told her to use it to purchase herself a birthday gift.

She admitted using the card to buy nearly $300 worth of beauty products and spa treatments.

Family members confirmed that the victim was bedridden and unable to communicate on the date Dorlus claimed she gave her the credit card.

The victim passed away the day after Dorlus made the purchases.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the investigative efforts of
Ofc. Brasure and the Ocean Pines Police Department which led to the successful prosecution of the case.

Heiser highlighted the importance of prosecuting offenders who take advantage of
vulnerable victims, stating “Our team and our partners on the Vulnerable Adult Task Force will continue to prioritize these cases while we work to eradicate thieves and abusers from our community.”

Dorlus has been sentenced to 120 days incarceration with 90 days suspended. She will be placed on 2 years supervised probation when released.