Waltham Man Caught in Natick After Skipping Court on Fraud Charges

WALTHAM, MA – A Waltham man was apprehended in Natick last week after failing to appear in court last summer, the Middlesex County District Attorney's office said.

Beryl Porter, 59, was arraigned in June 2015 on charges of securities fraud, money laundering, larceny over $250 from a person over the age of 60, six counts of larceny over $250, four counts of uttering forged checks, two counts of failing to appear in court and being a common and notorious thief.

Porter did not appear for his scheduled court date in July, according to the DA's office.

In 2010, Porter allegedly solicited thousands of dollars in investments and loans for a company he claimed he formed. In doing so, he presented alleged "partnerships agreements" to investors, which contained false information about who was investing, what the amounts were, stock certificates and a guarantee that investors could get their money back when they wanted, the DA's office said. He then allegedly deposited the money into a bank account for his personal use.

Porter is also accused of forging checks, beginning in 2013. The DA's office alleges multiple instances Porter forged checks worth thousands of dollars, including depositing a $9,000 check drawn on his girlfriend's account and a $20,000 check to pay someone whose family had invested in Porter's alleged securities fraud scheme.

"In this case the defendant allegedly used a securities fraud scheme to steal more than $82,600 from multiple individuals, including a senior citizen, a girlfriend, neighbor and a former employer," District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement. "Thanks to the collaborative effort between our office and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office this defendant has been located and will be held accountable for his alleged crimes."

At a hearing Thursday, a judge revoked Porter's bail and ordered him held for 90 days. He will return to court on Feb. 9 to set a trial date.

"Acting on a request for assistance, members of the Warrant Apprehension Unit developed information which led them to an address in Natick last Thursday," Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian said in a statement. "Once there, Mr. Porter was located and placed into custody, ensuring he will answer for the charges filed by the District Attorney."

Editor's Note: This story was written using information provided by the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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