A Realtor named Jason Valiant has been arrested following a scheme where he allegedly exploited an elderly couple in Ormond Beach, according to a recent post by Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Facebook.
This elaborate scam unfolded as Valiant took control of the couple’s assets by creating fraudulent documents to establish himself as their health care surrogate and power of attorney. As the couple’s health deteriorated, Valiant convinced one victim to sign a do-not-resuscitate order, enabling him to strip their bank accounts and secure ownership of their properties.
Sheriff Chitwood’s account reveals that the victim who signed the do-not-resuscitate order was taken off life support soon after. Valiant managed to will the couple’s home and two additional properties to himself. Additionally, he appropriated their Dodge Ram pickup for personal use.
The scope of Valiant’s actions included a range of financial abuses. He allegedly used checks to steal thousands of dollars from the couple and exploited their credit card for various personal expenses, including legal fees, a cosmetic procedure, auto services, meals, and fuel.
Property appraiser valuations estimate the value of the three properties obtained by Valiant at approximately $1.6 million. Among them were two oceanfront parcels in Flagler Beach, which Valiant and another Realtor, Constance Kellner, purportedly planned to develop into a high-rise condominium or hotel. Instead of fulfilling this duty, Valiant presented the couple with fabricated lowball offers, including one from his own company.
Constance Kellner, also known as ‘Coastal’ Connie Kellner, reportedly played a role in Valiant’s scheme. Kellner, charged as an accessory after the fact, is accused of aiding in the creation of the fraudulent power of attorney and life estate deed documents with full awareness of the illegal activities.
Valiant faces numerous charges, including conducting an organized fraud scheme, exploiting an elderly or disabled adult, grand theft exceeding $100,000, vehicle theft, criminal use of personal identification, and illegal credit card use. He was apprehended by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday night, with bond set at $375,000.
The case of Jason Valiant underscores the severe implications of elder exploitation and highlights the vigilance required by authorities to prevent such crimes. While Valiant has been apprehended, further investigations may unfold as the story continues to develop.
Source: News-journalonline
