How Did DC Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton Get Scammed And Lose Over $4,000?

Washington, DC’s longtime congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, was scammed out of more than $4,000 after suspects posing as home service workers charged her credit card for unauthorized services, according to police reports confirmed Thursday.The 88-year-old lawmaker reportedly fell victim to the scheme at her DC residence, where multiple suspects arrived claiming to perform maintenance work. An aide and close associate, Jacqueline Pelt, discovered the fraudulent charges and immediately canceled Norton’s credit cards. Police confirmed that over $4,000 had been billed for services that were never authorized.NBC4 Washington first reported that the suspects identified themselves as HVAC workers, while FOX News cited a source saying they had posed as a “cleaning crew.” Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department both responded to Norton’s home, and a patrol car was stationed outside as a precaution after the suspects allegedly insisted they would return.Related News | Trump's 'Friend' Gives Pentagon $130 Million To Help Pay Troops Amid Government ShutdownAn internal police report described Norton as being in the early stages of dementia and listed Pelt as her caretaker with power of attorney, a claim Norton’s office strongly disputed. In a statement to NBC4, her office said the medical note was “an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make,” adding that Norton does not have a caretaker, but rather “a longtime employee and friend who serves as her house manager.”The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of Norton’s fitness for office as she seeks reelection next year. The 15-term delegate, who has represented the District since 1991, has faced growing calls to retire, including from prominent DC political figures such as Donna Brazile, who wrote in The Washington Post that Norton should step aside.If she continues her campaign, Norton is expected to face a tough primary challenge from DC Council members Brooke Pinto and Robert White, both of whom have already launched bids for her seat.Police say the scam investigation remains ongoing.