WA man accused of targeting, scamming elderly people arrested

Timothy Baugh, a 57-year-old man arrested by Lakewood Police, faces multiple charges, including first-degree theft of a vulnerable adult, for allegedly scamming a 101-year-old woman and her partner out of over $60,000. His deceitful scheme involved offering lawn care services, during which he manipulated them into making numerous cash withdrawals for tools and services that were never provided. With a criminal record dating back to 1993 that includes 19 felonies, Baugh's history has raised alarms among local law enforcement, who are familiar with his tactics. Sgt. Paul Porch described his actions as 'reprehensible' and highlighted the emotional toll on victims.

Kathy Morgan, director of Adult Protective Services, echoed concerns about the vulnerability of elderly individuals, noting their tendency to trust others. The financial impact of such scams can be devastating, prompting calls for increased community awareness and vigilance to protect the elderly. Despite previous convictions, the exact number of Baugh's victims remains unknown, raising questions about the effectiveness of measures against repeat offenders. Baugh has maintained his innocence in court, asserting that his actions do not constitute theft, and is currently held on a $150,000 bail.