Florida Coach With Alzheimer, Exploited by Nurse and Her Daughter, Who Stole Bikes, Furniture, and Increased His Weekly Cash Withdrawals by $400
Family uncovers deceptive scheme targeting coach Bud Abell’s vulnerability.
NewsaditibhattaOctober 17, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 16, 2026
Beloved coach, Bud Abell, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, was allegedly targeted and taken advantage of by a woman who posed as a nurse and her daughter.
According to his family, Abell’s trusted caregiver, identified as Melissa Ray, and her daughter, Stacey Ray, manipulated and exploited his vulnerable state.
When Melissa began caring for him, his weekly cash withdrawals reportedly spiked from $100 to $500. During this period, Abell’s hygiene and grooming were neglected, raising concerns within the family.
When Abell’s daughter, Noel, returned home, she uncovered what the family describes as a calculated effort to deceive and rob the elderly coach.
Stacey allegedly visited the house to record a video of Abell, who, because of his illness, was manipulated into verbally allowing them to take his belongings.
Melissa and Stacey reportedly emptied Abell’s home, taking bicycles, furniture, washers, dryers, dishes, and even antique sewing machines that belonged to his late wife.
The family said the items were only returned after the sheriff’s department intervened.
Although law enforcement responded to the scene, the daughter’s recording complicated immediate arrests.
According to Abell’s son, Gregory Cash, the video was used to make it appear as if Abell had given them permission, despite his inability to make sound decisions due to his medical condition.
“This mother-daughter duo took advantage of my dad’s Alzheimer’s,” Gregory said.
“They cleaned out his home and left him vulnerable. It was awful, and everyone needs to know.”
FacebookThe case has sparked outrage throughout the community. Former students, friends, and neighbors have flooded social media with messages of support and prayers.
Many remember Abell not only as a respected teacher and coach but also as a kind and trusted mentor.
One commenter wrote,
“He was one of the only men able to teach me mathematics at Mosley. He was such a gentle giant.”
FacebookAnother added,
“He cared so much for all of us. This makes me sick to my stomach. People who take advantage of the elderly should be held accountable.”
FacebookThe family is actively pursuing legal action to hold Melissa and Stacey Ray accountable and to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Abell is now receiving professional care at The Blake, where his family says he is “the happiest he’s been in years.”
“This isn’t just about my dad,” Gregory emphasized. “We hope to stop this from happening to another family. No one should have to experience this kind of betrayal.”
- Check other Articles on
- Bud Abell
aditibhattaRelated articles
Youth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother...
NewsMay 8, 2026
Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After...
NewsMay 7, 2026
Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested...
NewsMay 6, 2026
Madison Academy Team Doctor Dr. Jack Walker...
NewsMay 5, 2026
Comments
LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply
Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Share article
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppLinkedinYouth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother Steps Onto Field and Kicks Player
Rohit Maharjan- May 8, 20260 What was supposed to be a normal Saturday of youth football quickly became something no parent, coach, or child should ever have to witness....Read more Athlete
Jordan Haas, A Student-Athlete At Chatham University Passed Away At The Age of 21
Rohit Maharjan- May 7, 20260 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...Read more News
Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After Man Repeatedly Slaps Toddler in Public
Rohit Maharjan- May 7, 20260 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...Read more Athlete
Edinburg High School Student-Athlete Sebastian Garcia’s Untimely passing Has Shocked Entire Community
Rohit Maharjan- May 6, 20260 A student-athlete at Edinburg High School, Sebastian Garcia, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sebastian was a member of the Edinburgh Runnin' Bobcats...Read more News
Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl in Parma Heights
Rohit Maharjan- May 6, 20260 A former baseball coach with deep ties to the Geauga County sports community has been arrested and charged with the rape of a child,...Read more
