Another woman indicted in Vegas theft case

A second woman was indicted by a county grand jury Friday in what prosecutors say was a scheme that bilked a 94-year-old man out of more than $400,000.

Susan Costello, a notary, was added to the case in a new indictment stemming from the 2013 scheme. She was charged with one count of exploitation of the elderly, two counts of forgery and five counts of theft.

Last week the grand jury indicted Sally Johnson on nine counts of theft, six counts of forgery, and one count each of exploitation of elderly, grand larceny and attempted theft.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo said at the time that Johnson had obtained power of attorney in 2013 for Joseph Victory’s account at Bank of America to steal $256,000.

DiGiacomo said there was a question about whether a hospitalized Victory, who later died, signed the power of attorney.

Johnson obtained another power of attorney, “which was clearly not signed by Mr. Victory,” for a Wells Fargo account and stole $150,000, DiGiacomo said.

Costello is alleged to have aided Johnson by notarizing documents in a series of bank transactions aimed at illegally acquiring Victory’s life savings, according to the 18-count indictment.

At one point, Johnson had the title to Victory’s 2007 Mercury Marquis, worth roughly $9,000, converted to her name, the indictment alleges.

The two became acquainted after meeting at a Wal-Mart, according to prosecutors.

Johnson, who is behind bars, is alleged to have used the money to pay off her home loan and refurnish her house.

District Judge Linda Marie Bell set bail Friday for Costello at $125,000. Costello was not in custody when the indictment was returned.

Both women are to make initial appearances on the charges before District Judge Douglas Herndon on Oct. 16.

Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135. Find him on Twitter: @JGermanRJ.