TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia unveiled the indictment of an Essex County man, John Boston, 47, of Verona, for allegedly exploiting a 90-year-old woman financially, siphoning tens of thousands of dollars from her.
Boston has been indicted on one count of theft (2nd degree) and one count of theft by failure to make required disposition (2nd degree), subsequent to an investigation by the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). This inquiry was initiated after a lead from the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. At a state Superior Court arraignment in Essex County last month, Boston maintained his innocence.
The investigation reveals that while serving as a registered financial advisor, Boston entered a contract with the elderly victim to manage her finances and assets. However, he reportedly bypassed necessary protocols, neglecting to obtain employer permission or to register the victim as a client per the federal Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s regulations. After obtaining a durable financial power of attorney from the victim around June 27, 2017, Boston is accused of funneling more than $75,000 from her through ATM withdrawals and bank transfers. It’s alleged he used this money for his personal and family expenses while neglecting the victim’s bills and care.
Attorney General Platkin commented on the grave nature of such crimes, stating, “Victimizing our senior citizens under the guise of providing professional services occurs too often.” He added that the impact on victims and their families can be harrowing. Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Garcia warned potential wrongdoers, “If you target our elderly, you will get caught, and you will face justice.”
If convicted, Boston faces a potential sentence of five to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $150,000.