Aiken, South Carolina, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Cody Lee Anderson and Thomas Allen Bateman have been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud an elderly woman out of her $20 million estate. Investigations revealed that the victim, diagnosed with dementia, executed a questionable will that redirected her wealth to Bateman. Both defendants will face three years of supervised release following their prison time, and federal law prohibits parole for their convictions. The case highlights serious concerns over elder financial exploitation.
Aiken, South Carolina – Two men from Aiken, Cody Lee Anderson, 38, and his co-defendant Thomas Allen Bateman, 51, have each received sentences of 24 months in federal prison for their roles in a scheme designed to defraud an 88-year-old woman out of her approximately $20 million estate. Following their prison time, both men will endure three years of supervised release. Under federal law, there is no possibility of parole for either convicted individual.
The victim, who had previously designated her assets to charitable organizations and friends, executed a will during the COVID-19 pandemic that controversially redirected her wealth to Bateman. Anderson was named the personal representative of the estate, securing a 5% fee from its total, amounting to $1 million. An investigation revealed serious questions about the elderly woman’s mental capacity when making this decision, as she had been diagnosed with dementia.
The case, which raised flags regarding elder exploitation and financial abuse, was led by a joint investigation between the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit (VAMPF). Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, showing that Bateman had driven the victim to a parking lot to sign the will in Anderson’s car, with three witnesses present from George Funeral Home. These witnesses, however, did not fully comprehend the significance of what they were witnessing at the time.
Background context reveals that prior to the events surrounding the new will, the elderly woman and her husband had made clear choices regarding their estate, prioritizing friends and charitable giving over personal financial gain. The original will they drew up in 2001 remained valid and was eventually used for the distribution of the estate after its legitimacy was reaffirmed during legal proceedings.
Anderson’s legal history includes a failed run for the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2019 and a previous ownership of a funeral home. Following a federal grand jury indictment in July 2024, he pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on February 3, 2025. In an attempt to challenge the will, he filed a defamation lawsuit against those questioning its validity, which was ultimately dismissed. An argument presented by Anderson’s defense attorney called for a lighter sentence; however, Anderson accepted responsibility for his actions during the court proceedings.
The penalties for conspiracy to commit bank fraud that the defendants faced could have included up to 30 years in prison along with hefty fines, demonstrating the seriousness of the crime and its implications for financial crimes directed at vulnerable individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What crime did Cody Lee Anderson and Thomas Allen Bateman commit?
They were convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud as part of a scheme to defraud an elderly woman out of her estate.
2. How long will they be in prison?
Both men were sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.
3. Will they serve time on parole?
No, there is no parole in the federal prison system.
4. What was the size of the estate at the center of the fraud case?
The estate was approximately $20 million.
5. Why was the will considered questionable?
The elderly woman was diagnosed with dementia, raising concerns about her mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding her assets.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Cody Lee Anderson, 38 and Thomas Allen Bateman, 51 |
| Sentence | 24 months in federal prison for both defendants |
| Estate Value | $20 million |
| Victim’s Age | 88 years old |
| Investigation Agencies | FBI Columbia Field Office and South Carolina AG Office VAMPF |
| Court Proceedings | Indicted in July 2024, pled guilty in February 2025 |
| Original Will Date | 2001 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Funeral Home Owner Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly Woman
Additional Resources
- The Augusta Press: Aiken Funeral Home Owner Sentenced in Will Scheme
- WFXG: Two Aiken Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in $20 Million Will Fraud Scheme
- Post and Courier: Cody Anderson Conviction Mail Fraud Scheme
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elder Fraud
- WRDW: 2nd Aiken Man Pleads Guilty to Swindling Elderly Woman
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
