EXCLUSIVE
An award-winning Aboriginal artist has been charged with eight counts of fraud after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a dead man’s bank accounts, as police investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.
Mirree Louise Bayliss, 46, was arrested in Orange, in New South Wales’ Central Tablelands, on October 9 after police allegedly discovered the robbery while investigating the disappearance of Robert ‘Bobby’ Randall, 65.
Randall, who lived near Bayliss, was reported missing on October 1 after his relatives became concerned because he had not contacted his relatives in almost two months.
Police launched an investigation and detectives asked anyone with information to come forward as they investigated whether Randall’s bank and other online accounts had been active since he last spoke to loved ones on August 9.
During checks, police allegedly discovered Bayliss had used Mr Randall’s cards to access cash from an ATM near his home, once on September 24 and again on October 8.
Detectives went to a home on Bluebell Way in North Orange on Wednesday, October 9, the day after the alleged second incident, to speak with Bayliss, where he allegedly told officers he had died in hospital on August 17. .
Mirree Bayliss, 46, has been charged with eight counts of alleged fraud
Robert ‘Bobby’ Randall (pictured), 65, was reported missing on October 1.
Bayliss was arrested at a home on Bluebell Way on Wednesday, October 9.
Daily Mail Australia understands Bayliss allegedly took Randall to hospital on August 16 and when he died of suspected natural causes the following day, health authorities did not notify police or his relatives.
Bayliss then allegedly used her cards in the months after her death to withdraw several thousand dollars from ATMs.
However, in a statement Friday, police said a crime scene was established at the Bluebell Way home on Wednesday and that investigations into Randall’s death are “ongoing.”
After being arrested, Bayliss was taken to Orange police station and charged with three counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and granted conditional bail.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal it has received five additional charges since Friday.
Under the conditions of his bail, Bayliss must not access or attempt to access any of Mr Randall’s bank accounts, financial records or personal records from any private or government agency, such as Roads and Maritime Services, Centrelink or Medicare.
You must also notify the authorities of any changes in your address.
Bayliss has a large following online, where she displays her artwork and products.
He is pictured holding one of his coloring books.
Bayliss, who has over 37,000 online followers, is an “award-winning entrepreneur, artist and author” who has been featured in many industry magazines and articles.
Born in Dubbo to a European mother and Indigenous father, Bayliss is a member of the Wiradjuri people and a registered member of the Indigenous Art Code, the national organization responsible for maintaining the fair and ethical trade in works of art.
He won the Contemporary Artist of the Year award in 2022 and the Innovation and Excellence Award in 2023 and sells his artwork online through his company, Dreams of Creation Australia.
Following her win in 2022, the Australian Enterprise Awards described Bayliss as a “celebrated Indigenous artist and outspoken activist”.
“This soloist’s career was inspired during her youth when she began searching for new ways to heal social problems caused by increasing conflict in her community,” reads her biography in the awards magazine.
‘Mirree saw people close to her drawn to the abuse of illicit or mind-altering substances, or suffering from suicidal ideation.
“Therefore, he dedicated himself to becoming a positive public role model for his community.”
Bayliss is due to appear at Orange Local Court on October 31.