Donald Estes, 49, of Bath, pleaded guilty to stealing $225,000 in VA benefits from an elderly disabled veteran he exploited.

Donald Estes, 49, of Bath, has pleaded guilty to bank fraud for stealing $225,000 in VA disability benefits from an elderly disabled veteran in a Vermont nursing home. The victim, who lacked financial capacity and had previously relied on his deceased mother as guardian, was manipulated into adding Estes as a joint account holder. Between 2020 and 2023, Estes withdrew the funds for personal use, despite never formally becoming guardian. He faces up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and three years of supervised release when sentenced in May 2026. The case underscores risks to vulnerable veterans’ financial security.