A 65-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of fraud after he allegedly established a friendship with an 85-year-old woman to steal from her.
ACT Policing will allege that the man first met the woman in 2016 after he provided road-side assistance to her as an emergency mechanic. Soon after this he began a friendship with the woman, maintaining regular communications with her.
When the womanโs health deteriorating the man began purchasing necessities for her, while allegedly making personal purchases for himself as well as making large cash withdrawals.
Simultaneously, the man also allegedly withheld her mail โ including monthly bank statements.
Shortly after, police will alleged the man convinced the woman to establish him as her power of attorney and as a beneficiary of her estate.
Following a deterioration in her health, the man resigned from his job and became her full time carer.
The man then allegedly employed his family members to undertake house renovations however the work did not occur, despite payment being made.
Once the woman returned to her home, she noticed multiple household items were missing.
Police estimate that approximately $130,000 was stolen from the woman over the course of six years.
Yesterday, 18 December, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Flynn and subsequently placed the 65-year-old man under arrest.
The man was charged with 14 counts of theft. During search warrant activity, a cannabis grow house was discovered on the property. As a result, the man was also charged with growing commercial quantities of cannabis.ย ย
If anyone has any information in relation to this matter, they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via theโฏCrime Stoppers ACT website.โฏ
Please quote 6345417.
Investigations into this matter are continuing and further charges may be laid.
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