Man Accused of Ripping Off Blind, Deaf Widow

A man accused of moving into the home of a blind, deaf widow without her knowledge and stealing nearly $300,000 from her was arrested by Newport Beach police on Wednesday, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

John Thomas Windsor, 41, of Costa Mesa, is expected to be arraigned Thursday on one felony count each of first-degree residential burglary, caretaker theft from an elder and fraudulently using an access card, as well as three felony counts of forgery, the D.A.'s office said. Windsor was on parole in Vermont at the time for domestic violence and fraud.

Authorities say Windsor's mother was a live-in caretaker for a woman identified as Edna M., a 98-year-old widow who suffered from dementia and was confined to her Newport Beach home. Windsor moved into the house without the woman's knowledge in 2007, according to the district attorney's office.

Between August 2007 and December 2008, authorities say, Windsor depleted the woman's bank accounts and used her credit card. The money was used to buy two cars, a Tiffany & Co. engagement ring for Windsor's girlfriend, a sex swing and a classic record collection, among other things, the D.A.'s office said.

Windsor had Edna M. sign over power of attorney to him, authorities say. Medical experts later determined that the woman would not have understood what she was doing when giving Windsor control over her affairs. Windsor is accused of attempting to change the trust on the woman's house, which had been paid off a half-century before, and take out a loan against it, the D.A.'s office said. The bank became suspicious and contacted adult protective services, the district attorney's office said.

Edna M. died of respiratory failure, pneumonia and senile dementia in 2009, according to the D.A.'s office. She was 99.

If convicted, Windsor could face nearly 12 years in prison.

The investigation in the case is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Investigator Eric Akerlind at 714-347-8691.