Sicklerville Woman Wanted for Defrauding Elderly Mother

Dinah M. Branch, 44 of Sicklerville, is wanted for failure to appear in Superior Court in Woodbury on May 21 for a pre-arraignment interview on a charge of theft by illegal retention, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office said Friday evening.

Branch is described as 5-foot-3, 210 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

On Oct. 18, 2012, a detective with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office was assigned to investigate a theft reported to the New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly.   

That office’s investigation had determined that a resident of a Washington Township long-term care facility had been defrauded by her daughter, Branch.

The resident’s Social Security income was to have been applied to her care at the facility, according to a statement of understanding that Branch had signed.

Only one such payment was received and Branch’s mother’s account was $4,100 in arrears by May 27, 2013. A complaint was signed against Branch on Aug. 13, 2013, following an investigation. She was arrested in Williamstown on Oct. 8, 2013 and indicted on May 7 on a third-degree theft by illegal retention.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the defendant should not attempt to apprehend her. Instead, contact the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-384-5643 or GCPO Lt. Barry Johnson at 856-498-5485.

Anonymous tips can be provided by texting GLOTIP & your message to CRIMES  (274637).