August 19, 2011
by Nick Beres
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
Murfreesboro police have arrested a man and charged him with stealing nearly a quarter of a million dollars from his grandfather.
"This is as sad case where the elderly gentleman was confused and his grandson played on the fears to exploit money from his own family member," said Kyle Evans with the Murfreesboro police department.
Arthur Porter is charged with elder abuse. Police said he told his grandfather, 84-year-old Paul Howlett, that someone had a vendetta against the family and he needed to pay money for protection. Police said there was no evidence of that.
Howlett said he doesn't want to press charges against his grandson.
"I will not press charges against him. He had enough problems growing up," said Howlett.
Detectives said Porter admitted telling false stories and taking money. But Porter denied that and apologized for nothing when NewsChannel 5 spoke to him at the Rutherford County jail.
He admitted to taking the money which he says was left to him in a trust fund.
"No, I haven't spent it. I've put it up somewhere," he said.
"I can't trick him. Even though my grandfather might act like he can't understand everything he's a very smart man," Porter added.
But his grandfather, who only recently lost his wife of more than 50 years, is now moving out of his home. He wouldn't say if it's because of the missing money.
He also added he forgave Porter.
Police said Porter also admitted telling his grandfather he had been kidnapped and held for ransom to get money. There was never any evidence of a kidnapping either.
Police are working to get the money back for the grandfather. They hope to do that if it's not actually been spent.
But police have alerted the state's Adult and Family Services division to help with the case.
SOURCE: NewsChannel5
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