A man with a thick criminal file was arrested after allegedly ripping off an 89-year-old resident of The Villages.
A Lady Lake police detective on Monday was at 7 Star Discount in Fruitland Park investigating “an unusual amount of personal checks” being written by the elderly Villages resident, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department.
While the detective was in the store, 46-year-old Eugene E. Widows of Leesburg, walked in. The detective recognized Widows and summoned Fruitland Park police.
The detective was investigating a $500 check from the woman’s account which had been cashed Aug. 13 at 7 Star. Citizens First Bank had stopped payment on the check on Aug. 18. The operator of 7 Star confirmed that Widows had cashed the check.
Widows was taken into custody on charges of exploitation of the elderly and grand theft. He was booked at the Lake County Jail on $8,000 bond.
In 2013, Widows had also been arrested on a charge of exploitation of the elderly. In 2009, he was arrested on cocaine and battery charges.
The Seniors vs. Crime office in The Villages has received four complaints about Widows in the past five years.
This month, a complaint was received about A Best Tree Service, operated by Widows. In 2013, Seniors vs. Crime had two cases involving Widows’ G & S Total Lawn Care.
Seniors vs. Crime keeps residents abreast of local scams and scammers. Stay protected by “liking” the Seniors vs. Crime Facebook page and get information in real time.
