Baltimore State's Attorney announces charges in cases involving elder abuse

by JESSICA BABB

Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates, along with the Economic Crimes Unit, announced a conviction and several indictments in a press conference Wednesday.

It was part of an announcement, which kicked off the resource fair and luncheon hosted by the Economic Crimes' Older & Disabled Persons Unit to educate older adults about avoiding financial scams and other crimes. Bates said the Unit works in conjunction with the Inspector General and the Sheriff's Office.

"It's critically important to me that our older adult population is supported by our office and educated on protecting themselves from financial fraud and abuse of all forms. Economic crimes tend not to make headlines in our city, but they happen daily, create financial ruin, and cause significant harm to our housing market and local economy," said State's Attorney Ivan Bates. "These crimes are especially heinous because they prey upon one of our most vulnerable populations in Baltimore. Under my administration, we will continue prioritizing victims in this demographic and ensuring accountability for offenses perpetrated against them."

James Rickey Dupree was recently convicted on charges of theft, forgery and issuing counterfeit documents. The defendant used his security clearance to enter the Port Authority grounds and steal brand-new Range Rovers valued at nearly $200,000, using falsified documents to deceive authorities at the port.

Other individuals have been charged and indicted.

Defendants Maurice Ford, Arngelette Mock, Shawn Wilson, Caprice Diggs, and Danielle Seldon have been indicted on charges of Theft Scheme between $25,000 and $100,000, in addition to related offenses, to steal $54,990.70 from Horseshoe Casino. In 2023, Ford was a slot machine technician employed by the casino, who is accused of conspiring with the other individuals, who were patrons, to steal money through using the slot machines.

Bryan Oneal Jones is charged with Theft and Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, accused of soliciting home improvement contracts on social media through a business page, beginning demolition, and taking multiple customer payments without completing the work. Between 15 victims, Bates said the damages total about $309,299.

Karen McAllister was charged with Engaging in a Felony Theft Scheme Between $25,000 and $100,000 and Felony Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult for Obtaining through Undue Influence $25,000 and $100,000. The defendant's grandmother is the victim in this case.

David Coleman was charged with a Felony Theft Scheme valued at over $100,000, Obtaining Property of a Vulnerable Adult valued at over $100,000, Acting as a Contractor without a License, and Selling Home Improvements without a License. Court documents allege that the defendant defrauded a 72-year-old disabled veteran and his wife out of $105,700 with promises of remodeling their home. The defendant is accused of never completing the work and was never a licensed contractor.

Matthew Praglowski was charged with Vulnerable Adult Physical Abuse by a Household or Family Member and Assault in the Second Degree. The victim is Praglowski’s grandfather, who was 77 years old at the time of the abuse. The victim reported being beaten about the face, placed in a choke hold, and forced to the ground. The victim sustained bruises and contusions to both arms, his head and neck, and stitches around his eye.

Jasmine Monet Williams was charged with Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult by Deception, Theft Scheme $1,500-$25,000, Attempted Theft $500-$1,500, Identify Theft, and Credit Card Fraud.

Wenetha Leslie was charged with Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Felony Theft, Conspiracy, and Forgery. Court documents allege that the defendant used false representations and undue influence to cause her 78-year-old father to sign a document giving her Power of Attorney. Leslie is accused of accessing the victim's personal and Social Security information. Bates said the investigation showed the defendant added her name to the victim’s personal bank account and wrote checks totaling $40,000 that were subsequently endorsed using an alias and withdrawn by cashier’s checks.

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Baltimore State's Attorney announces charges in cases involving elder abuse