Police charge Rhode Island man with allegedly taking advantage of four elderly women

Scituate, R.I. The Rhode Island State Police announces that members of the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Mark W. Harmon, age 62, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island for two counts of Exploitation of an Elder; three counts of Unlawful Appropriation; and one count of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses over $1500.

On May 2, 2019, the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint from the Office of the Attorney General, Elder Abuse Unit regarding Harmon, who allegedly failed to fulfill his Power of Attorney fiduciary obligations for two elderly Woonsocket women. The victims were financially exploited, drained of their assets and left in significant debt. During his time as Power of Attorney, Harmon allegedly liquidated $391,727.20 worth of US Savings Bonds, sold a victim’s house, liquidated an annuity and misappropriated funds, while frequenting Twin River Casino with the money. During the investigation, two additional victims were identified, and similar activity was discovered. In total, the four elderly victims incurred a combined loss of over $600,000.

Harmon was arraigned at 6th District Court by Judge Isherwood and released on $10,000 Personal Recognizance. Judge Isherwood also issued No Contact Orders for the victims. Harmon’s next court appearance is scheduled at Providence Sixth District Court on November 23, 2020.

Under Rhode Island General Law 11-68-2 (a) (3), a person found guilty of Elder Exploitation may be imprisoned up to fifteen years and fined up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.

Under Rhode Island General Law 11-41-11.1, a person found guilty of Unlawful Appropriation may be imprisoned up to twenty years and fined up to fifty thousand dollars or both.

Under Rhode Island General Law 11-41-4, a person found guilty of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses may be imprisoned up to ten years and fined up to five thousand dollars, or both.