Man Accused of Stealing $150K from Elderly, Disabled Belmont Resident

REDWOOD CITY, CA- A man accused of defrauding his former brother-in-law, an elderly and disabled Belmont resident, of $150,000 pleaded not guilty Monday to elder abuse, identity theft and felony theft charges, according to San Mateo County prosecutors.

Andrew Claude Higgins, 69, moved into the home of the victim, a 79-year-old double amputee, in August 2014 after he got divorced and lost his home, prosecutors said.

Higgins was supposed to help the victim with shopping and other tasks around the house, and the victim gave him access to his bank accounts to pay bills and make deposits, prosecutors said.

Higgins was arrested after the victim’s son discovered in April that more than $150,000 was missing from 12 different accounts, prosecutors said.

Higgins was ordered to return to court on Jan. 7 for a status conference and Jan. 11 for a preliminary hearing. Bail was set at $150,000 and Higgins remains in custody.

The court ordered Higgins to avoid contacting the victim, prosecutors said.

– By Bay City News Service.  Image via Shutterstock.