The charges stem from a five-month investigation by the EPS Senior Protection detectives.
“This is a prime example of a senior citizen being preyed upon by a family member that she trusted,” said Det. Dave Huggins, formerly of EPS Senior Protection. “Sadly, both her health, and her grandson, failed her, at a time in her life when she should have been able to count on him.”
It is alleged that between August 2010 and August 2014, the accused male made out multiple cheques to himself, while acting as his grandmother’s attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney. The fraud occurred, after his elderly grandmother was hospitalized following a stroke in 2010.
Elder Abuse detectives were contacted by the complainant, after she regained the capacity to make decisions in May 2014, and subsequently discovered the alleged fraud.
Jeffrey Edward Stals, 53, is charged with theft by person holding power of attorney and fraud over $5,000.
A 53-year-old Edmonton man is facing theft-related charges for allegedly defrauding his 94-year-old grandmother of more than $265,000 while holding the position of Power of Attorney.