A Lakeland father and son have been charged with swindling hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly woman, Polk County deputies say.
Detectives took 58-year-old Hamilton “John” Watson into custody Tuesday while the search for his son, 34-year-old Hamilton “James” Watson continues.
Investigators say, the exploitation of the 88-year-old Lakeland woman began in April when the two men met the victim and advised they could perform work around her house. The victim lives alone and it was determined she was displaying early signs of dementia, deputies said.
Throughout April 2012, several checks were written on the victim’s account to “Sunny Florida Painting, with notations regarding “roof work” and “renovations.” Neither suspect is licensed as a roof or construction employer or contractor, investigators say.
Investigators were alerted on May 2, 2012, when Bank of America raised concerns about the possible exploitation of a client.
Detectives gathered evidence which reflected over a twelve day period, the suspects had a total amount of $120,575.00 written to them. The suspects also obtained two more checks that “James” was unable to cash for the total amount of $93,267.85. The total amount the suspects took or attempted to take was $213,842.85.
Working with various financial institutions, investigators were able to obtain sufficient evidence to obtain arrests warrants for both “James” and “John” Watson.
Yesterday, both were charged with exploitation of an elderly or disabled person, scheme to defraud and theft from a person 65 years of age or older. “John” Watson was arrested around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and booked into the Polk County Jail. Deputies believe that “James” Watson is hiding out in Arizona.
“We will not tolerate the exploitation of our elderly citizens,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “We have one of these low-down scoundrels behind bars and we won’t stop until we find the other one. Taking advantage of innocent people will get you a ride to jail.”
A professional guardian has taken legal responsibility for the elderly woman’s finances.
Anyone with information on James Watson’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863.298.6200.
