Scammer stole $350,000 from Manatee County senior with dementia, deputies say
A man entrusted with managing a woman’s finances after she developed dementia is accused of spending more than $350,000 on himself, investigators say.
Richard James Meyers, 64, faces a charge of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult involving $50,000 or more following an investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, court records show.
An attorney representing Meyers did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment.
Investigators say Meyers abused his authority as the woman’s power of attorney, siphoning off money for personal expenses while failing to pay for her care.
The woman developed dementia nearly 10 years ago and granted Meyers control over her finances, according to court records. Over the next several years, detectives allege he transferred money from a shared account into his own and spent it on himself.
A forensic review of bank records identified hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending that did not benefit the woman, including tens of thousands of dollars on electronics, groceries, rent, restaurants and entertainment, according to an arrest report.
Man stole $350K from Manatee woman, deputies say
Investigators said the purchases included more than $3,000 at Mixon Fruit Farm, nearly $3,000 at Ashley Furniture, charges at Firestone and a gold and diamond retailer.
The spending also included nearly $17,000 at a Kia dealership for a vehicle purchase, nearly $3,000 on a golf cart, more than $12,000 in wedding expenses, $13,000 in pet-related costs and more than $10,000 in payments to “son and wife,” according to an arrest report.
Detectives said Meyers allegedly moved at least $39,000 directly into his personal account and frequently drained the joint account down to only a few hundred dollars.
While using the money for his own expenses, investigators say Meyers failed to pay for the woman’s medical and living needs. The neglect led to lawsuits from a home care provider and a nurse who were not paid for services, court records show.
Investigators also allege Meyers did not file the woman’s federal tax returns for several years despite being responsible for her finances.
The investigation began more than a year after the woman died, when her daughter reported suspected financial abuse, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies arrested Meyers on April 29. He later posted a $25,000 bond and was released from the Manatee County jail, court records show. He has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.
Meyers is scheduled to appear in Manatee County court for arraignment on June 12, according to court records.
Records show Meyers was in Alabama at the time of his arrest and later returned to Manatee County to face the charge.
Seniors targeted in Bradenton-area scams
Meyers’ case comes as local officials warn that financial crimes targeting older adults are a growing concern.
Investigators with the Bradenton Police Department have described elder fraud as an “epidemic,” with victims often losing their life savings to scams and financial exploitation. Police say many cases go unreported, as victims can feel embarrassed or reluctant to come forward.
Under Florida law, exploitation of an elderly person involving $50,000 or more is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
