Washington, D.C.’s longtime congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, was recently the victim of a scam at her home that cost her several thousand dollars, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The 88-year-old lawmaker, who has represented the District as a nonvoting member of the U.S. House since 1991, had her credit card charged more than $4,000 for services that were never performed.
Police said the incident took place at Norton’s residence on 9th Street SE when multiple individuals posing as HVAC workers arrived, claiming they were scheduled to clean ducts and a fireplace. The suspects were reportedly allowed into the home and later billed Norton’s credit card for $4,362. An associate of Norton’s, identified in the public incident report as Jacqueline Pelt, later noticed the charge, canceled Norton’s cards and alerted authorities. Investigators are treating the matter as felony fraud, and no arrests have been made.
An internal police document obtained by NBC4 Washington described Norton as being in the “early stages of dementia” and identified Pelt as her caretaker with power of attorney — a characterization that Norton’s office strongly disputed. In a statement to the station, her office said the reporting officer was “unqualified to make” any medical assumption about Norton’s health and clarified that she doesn’t have a caretaker. Instead, the office said that there’s a “longtime employee and friend” who serves as the home’s manager but resides elsewhere.
Norton’s team added that she had believed the supposed HVAC visit had been prearranged by staff. When she notified her house manager, the staff member reviewed doorbell camera footage and discovered no appointment had been scheduled. Police were then called to the home, and U.S. Capitol Police also responded. While no property was stolen, investigators warned that Norton’s personal information, including her driver’s license number, may have been compromised. Officials also noted that the same group of solicitors had attempted to visit Norton’s home twice earlier in the year.
Norton’s spokesperson later confirmed to NBC News that the office would no longer comment publicly, citing an active investigation, and said any further communication would come through Norton’s personal attorney.
The incident comes amid renewed scrutiny of Norton’s age and political future. The delegate has faced calls from some allies to retire, including former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile. Norton, however, has maintained that she intends to seek re-election in 2026.
If she proceeds, she could face her most competitive primary yet. Two D.C. Council members have already announced campaigns for the seat. Meanwhile, Norton’s fundraising has lagged behind previous cycles, according to recent filings.
In recent years, Norton’s visibility in Washington’s political landscape has noticeably declined, drawing attention from both supporters and critics. During the Trump administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard to the capital, several longtime allies remarked on her limited public engagement. Since then, her appearances and speeches have remained infrequent, even as D.C. faces heightened tensions with federal authorities.
