Charges involve elder abuse and white-collar crimes
Baltimore, Md. (September 18, 2024) - Today, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates joined his Economic Crimes Unit members to announce a sentence and several indictments that prosecutors have secured. The announcement kicked off the resource fair and luncheon that the Economic Crimes' Older & Disabled Persons Unit hosted to educate older adults about avoiding financial scams and other crimes targeted to their demographic.
"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 J. 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."
The Economic Crimes Unit has secured the following indictments*:
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, Maurice Ford was a slot machine technician employed by the casino when he conspired with the four other defendants, who were patrons, to steal money via slot machines. On 10 different occasions, while on duty, Ford manipulated a slot machine to arrange for his co-conspirator to hit a progressive jackpot.
Bryan Oneal Jones is charged with Theft and Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult for allegedly soliciting home improvement contracts on social media through a business page, beginning demolition, and taking multiple customer payments without completing the work. Jones lost his contractor license in 2021 but continued to solicit business, demand large cash deposits, and sign contracts that stated that his business was licensed and bonded, which was not true. The victims relied upon the false representations of Jones and paid large cash deposits for work not performed or poorly begun and not completed. This case has 15 victims in Baltimore City and damages totaling approximately $309,299. Three of the victims were older adults who were defrauded; one older adult and her daughter were left with loan debt in excess of $90,000, the second older adult homeowner turned over $10,000 cash, and the defendant never returned, and a third older adult turned over $1,000, and the defendant never returned to perform the work.
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. The victim's daughter attended the Inaugural Older Adults Luncheon, where she reported her concerns.
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 never completed 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. The defendant allegedly placed the victim’s name on her residential water bill, diverted the victim’s mail to her home, and accessed his personal and Social Security information. She then obtained credit and/or debit cards on accounts in the victim’s name. The investigation also showed that 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. The defendant is also alleged to have executed a deed using her alias upon the victim’s only property, fraudulently giving her a 50% ownership interest in the victim’s home.
The Older and Disabled Persons Unit is embedded in the Economic Crimes Unit. Division Chief Shari Greene recently prosecuted defendant James Rickey Dupree 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. These auto thefts involved a violation of the Port Authority's security.
“Our team utilizes a network of organizations and local agencies to address the needs of older adult and disabled victims,” said ODPU & Economic Crimes Chief Shari E. Greene. “We strive to provide versatile resources, ranging from a one-stop helpline dedicated to crime victims who are 60+ and persons with disabilities, transportation services for victims, and scheduling discrete interviews with prosecutors and partners at a remote site away from the courthouse environment. Recognizing the needs and circumstances older adults and persons with disabilities who are often preyed upon face, the ODPU is committed to ensuring equal access to justice and services for our most vulnerable population.”
The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office served the warrants for these cases and was an instrumental partner in securing these indictments.
"The Baltimore City Sheriff's Office is proud to support the Economic Crimes and Older and Disabled Persons Units of the State's Attorney's Office," said Sheriff Sam Cogen. "As subject matter experts, my Deputies assist by serving warrants on the individuals charged with these offenses, and my office will always offer protection to those who need our help the most in our City."
*An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial.