Elder Fraud Trial Delayed

The trial for a man accused of taking advantage of elderly people in Redwood City was delayed on Friday, after the defense attorney failed to appear in court.

The San Mateo County District Attorney records of the trial show that one of defense attorneys said he had “mis-calendared” the hearing.

Michael Cardoza and Jyoti Rekhi are representing James Keeton, 63, who is accused of taking more than $270,000 from elderly people in the form of loans that he has not repaid.

Keeton befriended these people between 2008 and 2010 through the San Mateo Horseman’s Association and St. Pius’ Paris in Redwood City, California.   He told them he needed money for a variety of reasons.  One victim said he told them that his wife had miscarried twins and that he was going to lose their home due to foreclosure. 

He assured people that he would be able to repay the loans with money from an inheritance that was entangled in litigation on the east coast. The loans ranged from $3,000 to $23,650, according to District Attorney’s records.  His victims were 51-88 years of age.  None of the loans have been repaid, according to public records.

Keeton is charged with 11 counts of fraud with intent to cheat another and eight counts of committing crimes against the elderly.

He was arraigned on March 18, 2013 and is in custody on $250,000 bail.

His new preliminary hearing date is July 18, 2013.