FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Man arrested in fraud of the elderly case March 8, 2007 State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the arrest of James Frederick Truitt, on charges of Exploitation of an Elderly Person, Theft from a person 65 years of age or older, and Cheating. The first two charges are first degree felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Cheating is a third degree felony, punishable by five years. Truitt, 49, of a Panama City address, was booked into the Bay County jail on Thursday. His arraignment date will be set at a first appearance hearing. The case was worked by investigators from the State Attorney’s Office who have alleged that Truitt, in 2004, defrauded a 75-year old Panama City Beach woman by encouraging her to sell her homestead for a price far below its value. The complaint alleges theft of property valued at $100,000.00 or more. Exploitation of the elderly involves a person in a position of trust or in a business relationship an elderly person who uses deception or intimidation to obtain that person’s funds, assets, or property. |