The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of two realtors in Florida implicated in a scheme reportedly designed to defraud a couple of their assets while hospitalized.
Jason Valiant, the primary suspect, allegedly manipulated legal documents to appoint himself as the Health Care Surrogate and Power of Attorney for a couple from Ormond Beach who were under medical care due to failing health. Originally entrusted to facilitate the sale of their property, Valiant instead used this authority for personal gain. According to Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Valiant went so far as to sign a do-not-resuscitate order, resulting in one of the victims being taken off life support the following day.
The investigation revealed that Valiant drained the couple’s bank accounts, transferred their residence and two other properties to his ownership, and even appropriated their Dodge Ram pickup truck. The total valuation of the acquired properties stood at $1.6 million. Additionally, he utilized the victims’ credit cards for a variety of personal expenses including legal fees, a cosmetic procedure, and other personal services, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
Constance Kellner, a fellow realtor, was also apprehended and charged as an accessory after the fact. Known as ‘Coastal’ Connie, Kellner allegedly collaborated with Valiant in the creation of the fraudulent Power of Attorney and Life Estate Deed documents. There was also discussion, allegedly involving Kellner, of developing the acquired oceanfront properties into a large-scale project, though these plans never materialized.
Valiant faces multiple serious charges: organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, grand theft exceeding $100,000, vehicle theft, misuse of personal identification, and unauthorized credit card use. The apprehension of Valiant was achieved with the assistance of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, who executed the arrest with a bond set at $375,000.
Sheriff Chitwood minced no words in his condemnation, labeling Valiant as a ‘scumbag’ in a social media post, expressing hope that the suspect would spend the holiday season incarcerated. Meanwhile, the investigation continues as authorities work to untangle the full extent of the fraudulent activities and restore justice for the affected parties.
Authorities in Florida are continuing their investigation into this egregious breach of trust, as they seek to ensure accountability and support for the victims involved in this case.
Source: Fox13news
