Son allegedly steals thousands of dollars from mother

The South Simcoe Police Criminal Investigation Bureau have completed a 14-month fraud investigation, resulting in criminal charges against a 43-year-old man.

In February 2003, the victim, a former resident of a retirement community in Innisfil, suffered a severe disease that limited her ability to take care of her own affairs. She was hospitalized for several months.

At this time, the victim's son activated his mother's power of attorney and began taking care of her affairs. In November 2003, the victim was released from hospital and transferred to a nursing home in the Ottawa area. The victim's son had sold her home, contents and car so that the proceeds could be used to secure future lodging, treatment and care of his mother. When the victim was able to once again take care of her own affairs, she discovered that thousands of dollars had been fraudulently taken from her accounts by her son.

In July 2006, the victim reported the incident to police, who commenced a criminal investigation. Police identified that the son had taken just over $83,000 through the fraudulent use of his mother's power of attorney.

On November 13, police travelled to Carleton Place, Ontario, and arrested the man, He has been charged with fraud over $5,000, theft by person holding power of attorney and criminal breach of trust.

The son has been released from custody with numerous conditions, and he is scheduled to appear in Bradford Court on Jan. 17.