A Costa Mesa man was arrested by Newport Beach police today and charged with stealing more than $280,000 from a blind and deaf 98-year-old woman who had dementia.
John Thomas Windsor, 41, has 18 charges against him including first-degree residential burglary, caretaker theft from an elder, fraudulently using an access card, and three felony counts of forgery.
He was arrested at the Newport Beach Police Department after he was brought in to be interviewed about the case, said NBPD Sgt. Steve Burdette. Windsor, on parole from Vermont for domestic violence and fraud, faces a maximum sentence of 11 years and eight months in state prison if convicted.
The elderly woman, identified only as Edna M. by the Orange County District Attorney‘s office, was confined to her Newport Beach home. Windsor’s mother was hired as her independent in-home caretaker. Windsor moved into Edna’s home in 2007 without her knowledge, according to the DA.
Windsor would take Edna into the bank and withdraw large sums of money, Burdette said. Windsor depleted her accounts and made purchases on her credit card, according to the DA.
The bank questioned whether she was in a competent state of mind and if she knew what she was doing, Burdette added.
Windsor used the money to buy two used cars, a Tiffany & Co. engagement ring for his girlfriend, a classic record collection, a sex swing and other items, according to the district attorney’s office.
Authorities were notified after Windsor attempted to change the trust on Edna’s house and take out a loan against the home, which had been paid off 50 years ago, according to the DA’s office.
Adult Protective Services was alerted by the Bank of America in Eastbluff, Burdette said, and an investigation began.
By late 2008 it was determined that the police needed to get involved, Burdette said. Investigators pulled records and gathered evidence and information before bringing Windsor in for an interview this morning.
Windsor is also accused of having Edna M. sign over her power of attorney to him, which medical experts later determined she did not have the capacity to do competently, the DA’s office stated.
Edna M. died in May 2009 at the age of 99 due to respiratory failure, pneumonia, and senile dementia, according to the OCDA’s office. Burdette said he was unsure whether Edna M. had any living relatives.
Windsor is being held on $280,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment tomorrow in Santa Ana. In order to post bail, Windsor must prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source, according to the District Attorney’s office.
Deputy District Attorney Marc Labreche of the Major Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.
The Public Guardian and NBPD investigated this case. Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Eric Akerlind at 714-347-8691.
