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A 44-year-old Raynham man who stole nearly $9,000 from his parents’ widowed friend was convicted in Taunton District Court and ordered to pay full restitution to the victim, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.
Christos Karageorgos pleaded guilty in Taunton District Court to a charge of larceny over $250 of a person over 60 years old.
The victim in the case had moved into Karageorgos’ parents’ house after her husband passed away in April 2016. In November 2016, Karageorgos also moved into the household after losing his job. Karageorgos, his girlfriend and their child resided in the bedroom next to the victim, which allowed him access to her personal information. A police investigation revealed Karageorgos had made changes to the victim’s bank account to allow for online and telephone transfers. This change was made without the victim’s knowledge or permission.
Karageorgos made 12 transfers totaling $8,910 into his account.
During a sentencing hearing held before Judge Kevan Cunningham, Assistant District Attorney Madalyn Fairbanks of DA Quinn’s Financial Crimes Unit, argued for a guilty finding and a one year term in the house of corrections with 60 days to serve. ADA Fairbanks also argued that Karageorgos should make full financial restitution to the victim.
The defendant, however, recommended that the case be continued without a finding for six months.
Judge Cunningham found Karageorgos guilty of the charge, ordered him to pay full restitution and sentenced him to jail for one year, with 40 days to serve. The remainder of the jail sentence was suspended for one year, meaning if Karageorgos is charged with new crimes during that time period, he could be forced to serve the entire one year jail term.
