Congressional delegate scammed out of thousands as police flag possible dementia signs

Longtime District of Columbia congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton was scammed out of $4,000 at her home, NBC4 Washington reported on Friday — and a police report on the incident indicated that the 88-year-old lawmaker is showing signs of the "early stages of dementia."

The scammers, who were posing as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance workers, "said they were part of a cleaning crew, her office told News4. The suspects charged almost $4,400 to her credit card for work they did not perform," the report said. "An internal police report obtained by News4 details how suspects were able to enter Norton’s home on Thursday and access her credit card before someone, whom her office called a house manager and friend, was able to put a stop to it."

The "caretaker/power of attorney was not at residence," per the police report, referencing the friend who intervened to stop the scammers.

Norton, who represents D.C. in Congress as a nonvoting delegate, has been in office for decades and played a crucial role in shaping federal policy to protect the rights of district residents. However, she has faced scrutiny in recent months over her apparent declining mental state. Democratic sources revealed in June that Norton has missed key legislative meetings and has been largely absent from the fight by D.C. residents to stop President Donald Trump's federal takeover of the city.

In September, Norton's longtime friend, former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile, penned an op-ed gently urging her to step aside for a new generation of leaders.

"After doing so much for D.C. for so long, it’s understandable that she wants to remain in Congress. Public service is her life," wrote Brazile. "But no job can last forever, and no person is irreplaceable. As I’ve told her in person, retirement from Congress is the right next chapter for her — and for the District."