James Guthrie and Robert Allin charged with defrauding a 84 year old woman in Oshawa

An 84-year-old senior citizen, befriended years ago in Durham Region and defrauded of her life-savings by two male acquaintances, saw police arrest and charge both last week.

On Thursday July 29, 2010, members of the DRPS Major Crime – Fraud Unit completed their lengthy and historical investigation with the arrest of the two males involved in this complex fraud. During the early 1990’s, the victim was financially independent and living alone in Oshawa. She was befriended by the first male who approached her with offers of small business ventures which included landscaping and homecare renovations.

The victim was eventually convinced over time to appoint both accused as Power of Attorney over her financial affairs. Both accused then utilized the victim’s personal funds to purchase several expensive items including two homes, several new vehicles including motorcycles, a camper trailer and a boat. The victim was re-located into the couples newly purchased home outside of Durham Region where both accused kept physical and financial control of the victim. When the victim realized her finances were in ruin, she fled to a neighbor’s home and reported the incident to police.

James GUTHRIE, age 54 and Robert ALLIN, age 48, both of Springbank Road in Omemee are charged jointly with: Fraud Over $5,000; Theft by Person Holding Power of Attorney; Money Laundering; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence. Both accused were held for a bail hearing.

During the investigation, the residence was searched by DRPS investigators along with assistance from the OPP and officers impounded one of the vehicles located. Currently the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit is seeking an order of exclusive possession to obtain the house, vehicles, motorcycles, and all known assets, which include investments and accounts totalling over $900,000.