Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing from Elderly Step-Grandfather

News Summary

Lamontra Medlock, 49, was arrested in St. Augustine for allegedly stealing over $75,000 from his 86-year-old step-grandfather through forgery and unauthorized transactions. The theft spanned seven months, prompting a multi-state investigation by the U.S. Marshals and local authorities after suspicious activities were reported. Medlock faces serious charges, including exploitation of an elderly person and multiple counts of theft by deception.

St. Augustine, Florida – Lamontra Medlock, a 49-year-old man from Augusta, was arrested last week in St. Augustine, Florida, for allegedly stealing more than $75,000 from his 86-year-old step-grandfather. Medlock is facing serious accusations, including exploiting and intimidating an elderly person, as well as multiple counts of theft by deception.

According to investigators, the theft occurred over a seven-month period, during which Medlock is accused of forging checks and making unauthorized credit card charges without the elderly man’s knowledge or consent. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation began when the family of the victim reported suspicious financial activities in early 2022.

Medlock’s illegal activities reportedly involved writing checks to himself for a total of $42,600, accumulating more than $26,000 in unauthorized payments through phone transactions, and racking up over $6,821 in credit card charges. All transactions were executed without the consent of his step-grandfather and contributed to the significant financial damage incurred by the elderly man.

After draining his step-grandfather’s accounts, Medlock fled the state, which prompted a multi-state search conducted by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. The task force, which typically focuses on apprehending violent offenders, was brought into this case due to the severity of the financial abuse. Their efforts included collaboration with two investigators from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the serious nature of elder exploitation as a crime.

Medlock was ultimately apprehended under a grand jury arrest warrant issued for his crimes. He now faces multiple charges, specifically:

• Exploitation and intimidation of a disabled adult or elder person
• Twelve counts of felony theft by deception
• One count of misdemeanor theft by deception

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting elderly residents in their community and aggressively pursuing those who take advantage of vulnerable individuals. The department emphasized the importance of their partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, which they credited as crucial in leading to Medlock’s capture.

This case reflects a troubling trend in elder financial exploitation, where vulnerable individuals are targeted for their assets and resources. Law enforcement agencies across three states worked together during the investigation to ensure justice was served and to protect the welfare of the elderly population.

Members of the public are encouraged to assist law enforcement by reporting any information they may have regarding other incidents of elder exploitation. They can contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or submit anonymous tips via email at PIO@AugustaGa.gov.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Man Wanted for Allegedly Stealing Thousands from Step-Grandfather
• Wikipedia: Elder Abuse
• WJBF: Deputies Seeking Man Who Reportedly Stole More than $40K from Step-Grandfather
• Google Search: Elder Financial Exploitation
• The Augusta Press: Augusta Man Accused of Stealing $75K from Elderly Relative
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Abuse
• WRDW: Man Wanted for Elder Exploitation Arrested in Florida
• Google News: Elder Exploitation
• WJBF: Man Arrested for Allegedly Exploiting Elderly Step-Grandfather