Caretaker Stole $180K From Elderly Delaware County Woman: DA

A Philadelphia man is facing charges after allegedly stealing more than $180,000 from an 82-year-old Delaware County woman after befriending then living with her, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland announced that Lloyd Griscom, 31, of Philadelphia was charged felony theft charges, including theft by unlawful taking or disposition, theft by deception and false impression, and forgery.

Griscom is accused of stealing the funds over a 5-month period and using that money to pay for various personal expenses, including vacations and gifts for his girlfriend, the DA's office said.

At about 10:30 a.m. on n February 14, police responded to the Secane home of an 82-year-old woman for a report made by her Power of Attorney about possible financial exploitation by Griscom, the DA's office said. According to financial records, the victim’s Charles Schwab IRA account has been depleted from $183,211.00 to $2,104.42.

On March 6, investigators interviewed the victim who said she met Griscom about a year and a half ago in Philadelphia. The two exchanged phone numbers and would occasionally meet for lunch.

Then about six months ago, the victim told detectives that she agreed to allow Griscom move into her apartment when he offered to help provide care for her.

Investigators learned by reviewing financial records that Griscom between Oct. 1, 2017 to Jan. 31, 2018 transferred $181,158.65 from the victim’s IRA and Charles Schwab accounts to her Wells Fargo account. More records from the victim’s Wells Fargo accounts showed that from Nov. 9, 2017 to Feb. 8, 2018, a total of $180,727.14 was withdrawn from her account.

Griscom's arrest is the result of an investigation by the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Senior Exploitation Unit and the Ridley Township Police Department, according to the DA's office

"Our seniors deserve to enjoy their retirement and their hard-earned money without the fear of being victimized," Katayoun Copeland said. "Lloyd Griscom stole that liberty from the victim in this case, betraying her trust, and stealing her life savings for his own leisure. Too often, financial exploitation of our seniors goes unreported, leaving perpetrators free to move on to their next victim. As the result of reported suspected abuse, and excellent investigative work, Lloyd Griscom can no longer prey on our vulnerable residents. I would like to commend Detective Brian Patterson and the members of our Senior Exploitation Unit who work diligently to protect our elderly residents and bring justice for individuals, and their families."

Griscom was remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility after failing to post $250,000 cash bail.

His preliminary hearing is slated for July 9.

If you suspect yourself or a loved one has been a victimized financially please contact the Senior Exploitation Unit at 610-891-5249 or email seniorcrimes@co.delaware.pa.us.

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office