DC Delegate Norton Scammed Amid Early Dementia Reports

Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old Democratic nonvoting delegate for Washington, D.C., was scammed by individuals posing as an HVAC cleaning crew who charged nearly $4,400 to her credit card for services not performed. A police report described Norton as having "early stages of dementia" and noted that a caretaker with power of attorney was not present when the fraud occurred. Norton's office disputed the dementia claim, stating the police officer was unqualified to make such a medical diagnosis and clarified that Norton does not have a caretaker but rather a longtime employee and friend serving as house manager. The house manager, identified as Jacqueline Pelt, who is also Norton's campaign treasurer, contacted law enforcement after noticing suspicious activity on security footage. Despite concerns about her health and calls for her to step aside, Norton has committed to running for reelection in 2026. The incident has raised questions about her capacity amid reports of her declining mental state and recent absences from key legislative activities.