July 12, 2005
Contact: Lisa Curtis
720-913-9178
”TRAVELER” CON ARTIST WHO PREYED
ON ELDERLY MAN RECEIVES 22 YEARS IN PRISON
39-year-old
Joshua Nichols, a "traveler" who was convicted at trial for
deceiving an 88-year-old man into signing papers to purchase
a 2004 Cadillac for more than $64,000.00, was sentenced to 22
years in the Colorado Department of Corrections on July 11,
2005. Nichols was
on parole when he committed the crimes and
also had three prior felony convictions. Nichols
had also obtained and used a credit card in the victim’s name
for $2,500 worth of purchases.
This was a
classic case of how “travelers” operate and victimize vulnerable
elderly people. Nichols had only known the victim - who lived
alone - for about one week when he convinced the victim to sign
the documents purchasing the car. After meeting the victim,
Nichols quickly used typical “traveler” techniques (including
doing small favors) to immerse himself into the victim’s daily
life and to build trust.
After his
arrest, Nichols continued his attempts to manipulate the victim
with frequent phone calls from the jail and two letters in which
he pleaded with the victim to "tell the truth and tell the
police that he [the victim] wanted to buy the car for Nichols
and his family."
Denver District Court Judge
Michael Martinez chastised Nichols and told him that his conduct
was "reprehensible" and that he was a danger to the community.
Judge Martinez sentenced Nichols in the aggravated ranges for a
total of 22 years in prison.
The quick action of
Denver District Attorney Investigator Ed Gruninger enabled
police to arrest Nichols and to recover the stolen Cadillac.
Gruninger is part of the Denver District Attorney's Economic
Crime Unit, which uses emergency intervention to respond to
elder fraud cases. To reach the Economic Crime Unit, call
720-913-9179.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey warns
older adults to be wary of strangers attempting to befriend
them.
“Our mothers taught us not to talk to strangers,
and that advice still holds true today,” Morrissey advises.
-30-
|
