Judge gavel, scales of justice and law books in court. (Brian A. Jackson/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
(KRON) — A man has been convicted of scamming an elderly woman with dementia out of more than $350,000, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price said Monday. The man installed solar panels in the victim’s home before gaining her trust and control of her finances.
An investigation by the DA’s office revealed that the victim hired Asher Turgeman, 53, to install solar panels on the roof of one of her properties.
“The defendant then ingratiated himself with the victim, gaining her trust and eventually taking over all her finances. Acting as both a realtor and a general contractor, the defendant is alleged to have convinced the victim to sell most of her properties,” Price’s office wrote.
Turgeman also submitted invoices for work that was never done. According to Price’s office, he stole a total of $359,720 from the victim.
The victim’s friends were suspicious of Turgeman, per Price’s office. She began to uncover the scheme after receiving notices in the mail regarding unpaid bills.
Her friends then looked through her bank accounts and called police. The Berkeley Police Department assisted Price’s office in uncovering the fraud.
Turgeman pled no contest to felony elder abuse. He was sentenced to four months of home detention and two years of probation.
He paid a $200,000 restitution check and will pay the remaining $159,720 over his two-year probation period.