By Roberta Baker
After a five-day trial, a jury found Dujae Richards, 31, guilty of 12 counts of identity fraud, three counts of credit card fraud, and one count of theft by unauthorized taking. Jurors concluded that Richards intentionally took advantage of the 88-year-old, whose age and impaired vision compromised his ability to manage his property and finances and protect his rights and interests.
As a result, Richards is subject to an enhanced sentence of 10 to 30 years in New Hampshire State Prison for each conviction.
According to court documents, Richards illegally obtained more than $166,000 from the man, which he used to pay outstanding debts and take a casino vacation in Las Vegas, among other personal expenses.
Richards moved in with the elderly man — whose identity has not been disclosed — after Richards lost his apartment. Richards’ mother-in-law served as the man’s caregiver. After moving in, Richards agreed to assist with managing his finances in exchange for living there rent free.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Richards posed as the man to get an additional credit card on the man’s American Express account. Between October 2020 and February 2021, he withdrew more than $125,000 from the man’s annuity and multiple insurance policies. He illegally used credit cards issued in the older man’s name, and withdrew funds from his TD Bank checking account.
Financial fraud crimes account for most of the referrals to the NH AG’s Elder Abuse and Exploitation Unit, including 75% of all referrals received last year, said Assistant Attorney General Bryan J. Thompson II, one of the attorneys who prosecuted the case. That percentage has been fairly consistent since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
More than three-quarters of the unit’s financial exploitation referrals are for crimes allegedly committed by someone close to the victim — a family member, friend or caregiver, Thompson explained.
“Older adults who are relying on others to manage their finances should make sure to still check their accounts regularly,” said Thompson. Or, he said, at least have another trusted adult check them regularly, in order to double-check a new companion’s actions.
If the new companion refuses to provide the information requested by the older adult, “that is an immediate red flag,” Thompson said. Older adults shouldn’t give too much control to companions. “If there is power of attorney, there should be limitations on the ability to spend.”
Richards’ sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 29, 2024. Nashua Police and the New Hampshire Insurance Department assisted in the investigation.
The
New Hampshire Attorney General’s office advises victims of elder abuse
or financial exploitation or anyone who knows of a victim to contact
their local police department or the Department of Health and Human
Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services 1-800-949-0470.
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31-year-old man found guilty of financially exploiting an 88-year-old man
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