Katy group home operator accused of stealing $75K from resident with dementia

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- Jewelry, false lashes, plane tickets, and tuition payments are just some of the purchases investigators believe were made with money stolen from a vulnerable group home resident.

Court records allege a Katy boarding home operator took nearly $75,000 in just three months from Debra Mellinger, a 67-year-old woman with dementia and a history of mental illness, who lived at the home. Her daughter-in-law believes the total loss was even higher.

Mellinger was an Army veteran and a retired postal worker, remembered by family as independent and deeply devoted to her loved ones.

"She was really pretty amazing," her daughter-in-law, Brandy Cheatum, said. "She loved her grandkids. She loved God and her family."

Cheatum, who described Mellinger as a second mother, said she worked hard her entire life and carefully saved her money.

In 2021, court records show Mellinger was released from a west Houston hospital to a group home in Katy called "God's House of Compassion," owned and operated by Acquanetta Jeffery. Cheatum had power of attorney at the time.

Within a month, Cheatum said her mother-in-law's finances began to rapidly dwindle.

"Everything that came in for her pension, VA (Veterans Affairs) benefits, Social Security. Roughly $7,500 a month, she was pocketing," Cheatum said.

Bank statements provided to Eyewitness News show numerous Cash App transfers and debit card transactions. Investigators say Jeffery used Mellinger's money to buy plane tickets and make payments to her husband.

"I think my favorite charge is that she used Debi's card to pay for her son's criminal justice degree," Cheatum said.

Jeffery was charged in December with theft from an elderly person. The 52-year-old, who has no criminal history in Texas, according to online records, is out of jail on a $10,000 bond. On Monday, her attorney, Bret Kisluk, responded with no comment.

Mellinger died in December 2024, nearly penniless. Cheatum said she was never the same.

"I understand she (Jeffery) didn't kill anybody," she said, "but if you think it's OK to rob an old lady with dementia of literally her life savings so you can buy diamonds and go on trips, I don't think you should be allowed in society."

To report physical or financial abuse or neglect, the Harris County District Attorney's Office urges people to call 1-800-252-5400 or go online to Texas Abuse Hotline.

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