Augusta man pleads to elderly exploitation

An Augusta man accused of mismanaging a family member’s finances pleaded guilty Thursday to exploitation of the elderly.

Christopher Deaton, 56, entered his plea in Richmond County Superior Court. Judge Michael N. Annis accepted the negotiation plea of 20 years probation under the First Offender Act. Deaton agreed to pay $2,400 in restitution.

Deaton took control of a relative’s finances after her husband died in 2016. Without her consent or knowledge, Deaton transferred $46,000 into a second bank account, and he put $25,000 in a certificate of deposit under his wife’s name without her knowledge, said Assistant District Attorney Ashley Muller.

All of the money was returned to the victim, Muller said. The restitution was the cost of having to pay two vehicle insurance policies, she said.

Deaton apologized to the victim and the rest of his family Thursday.

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Augusta man pleads to elderly exploitation