Berkeley Man Pleads No Contest to Felony Elder Abuse in $359,720 Real Estate Fraud Case

By Nina Singh-Hudson

In a recent announcement by Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, 53-year-old Asher Turgeman has pled no contest to felony elder abuse linked to a real estate fraud case, stealing over $359,720 from an elderly victim with dementia, as per the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. The victim had originally employed Turgeman to install solar panels, but he manipulated her into selling several properties while siphoning funds through falsified invoices.

The fraud came to light thanks to the vigilance of the victim's friends, who became suspicious after she started receiving notices for unpaid bills.

The subsequent checking of her bank accounts led to the involvement of authorities.

The Berkeley Police Department, in collaboration with the DA's Real Estate Fraud team, conducted a thorough investigation ensnaring Turgeman in the deceitful web he had spun.

"This theft would not have been uncovered if it weren’t for the hard work of the victim’s friends, the assistance of the Berkeley Police Department and the DA’s Real Estate Fraud team, including our inspector, deputy district attorney, and forensic auditor," District Attorney Pamela Price said in acknowledgment of the joint effort that led to Turgeman's conviction, as cited by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.

Under the terms of the plea deal, Turgeman will be subject to four months of electronic home detention and be placed on probation for two years; the sentencing is slated for September 9 at Dublin's East County Hall of Justice. Besides, Turgeman has been mandated to compensate the victim, having already turned over a $200,000 cashier's check, and is obligated to pay the remaining $159,720 during his probation period.

Full Article & Source:
Berkeley Man Pleads No Contest to Felony Elder Abuse in $359,720 Real Estate Fraud Case