Parolee sentenced for stealing over $280K from a widow

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 11HF0928: May 5, 2014

PAROLEE SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON FOR STEALING OVER $280,000 FROM BLIND, DEAF 98-YEAR-OLD WIDOW SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA TO BUY TIFFANY’S RING AND SEX SWING

SANTA ANA – A parolee from Vermont was convicted and sentenced today to seven years and four months in state prison for stealing over $280,000 from a 98-year-old widow. John Thomas Windsor, 44, Costa Mesa, pleaded guilty to one felony count each of first degree residential burglary, caretaker theft from an elder, fraudulently using an access card, and three felony counts of forgery with sentencing enhancements and allegations causing over $100,000 in loss, aggravated white collar crime over $100,000, and property loss over $200,000. Windsor was also ordered to pay $296,000 in restitution and fined over $592,000.

Windsor’s mother was an independently-hired live-in caretaker for 98-year-old widow Edna M., who was blind, deaf, suffered from dementia, and was confined to her Newport Beach home. In 2007, Windsor moved into the victim’s home without her knowledge. Windsor was on parole in the State of Vermont at the time for domestic violence and violating a restraining order.

Between August 2007 and December 2008, Windsor stole over $280,000 from Edna M. by depleting her bank accounts and making purchases on her credit card. He spent the victim’s money without her knowledge or consent to buy expensive personal items including but not limited to two pre-owned cars, a Tiffany & Co. engagement ring for his girlfriend, a classic record collection, and a sex swing.

Windsor had Edna M. sign over her power of attorney to him, which medical experts later determined the victim did not have the capacity to sign or understand what she was doing.

The defendant attempted to change the trust on the victim’s home and take out a loan against the house, which had been paid-off 50 years earlier. The bank became suspicious of the attempted transaction and notified Adult Protective Services. Edna M. died in May 2009 at the age of 99 due to respiratory failure, pneumonia, and senile dementia.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Marc Labreche of the Major Fraud Unit prosecuted this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486