Polk Pastor Accused Of Exploiting Elderly Woman For $36,440

HAINES CITY, FL — A 46-year-old Haines City pastor is accused of exploiting an 85-year-old victim with physical impairments for more than $35,000, according to the Haines City Police Department.

Police arrested Abner Anibal Rolon on charges of scheming to defraud in the amount of more than $20,000, exploitation of the elderly and presenting himself as a contractor without a license, authorities said.

Rolon serves as the senior pastor of Calvary First Assembly in Haines City.

The victim has visual, hearing and mobility impairments, and lives with a caretaker, detectives said.

Rolon gave the victim a business card in June that presented the suspect as a contractor licensed to perform a number of services, deputies said.

The victim was looking for roofing and flooring repairs to her home before she put it on the market to sell.

The caretaker was away when Rolon told the victim more services to the home were necessary to help it sell, detectives said.

According to police investigations, Rolon sent the victim six bills that totaled $36,440 between July and September.

"To take advantage of an elderly woman trying to sell her home and to this extent, is simply unconscionable," Chief Jim Elensky said. "We should be able to rely on our local pastors to serve as community leaders -- not lying, stealing and taking advantage of people."

The Haines City Building Division and Code Compliance unit found that light fixtures, electrical work, windows, ceiling fans and a water heater were installed incorrectly and needed to be completely redone, Haines City police said.

The suspect charged the victim for roof and porch repairs that didn't happen, said investigators.

Rolon is not licensed for electrical or contracting work nor did he pull permits to complete the work, said detectives.

Rolon turned himself in to the police on Friday, said police.