Austin James, a man from Jefferson County, Missouri, has pleaded guilty to aiding in defrauding an elderly St. Louis woman out of more than $500,000. According to reports, James admitted to knowingly using the means of identification of another person to commit bank fraud and financial exploitation of the elderly.
James confessed to aiding Gino Rives in exploiting the 80-year-old victim, who had hired Rives to renovate her home. Rives falsely claimed to be a licensed contractor and instructed the woman to write checks totaling over $550,000 for renovations on a property worth no more than $135,000. James received checks for work he did not perform, totaling $94,606.
As a result of the suspicious activity, the victim’s bank contacted the authorities, leading to an investigation. Rives, who had previously pleaded guilty to defrauding two elderly victims, and his mother, Zella Rives, are also facing charges related to the scheme.
James is set to be sentenced on August 14 and could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry prosecuting.
In light of this case, authorities urge anyone with concerns about elderly or disabled individuals facing abuse or neglect to contact Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-0210.
