Charges filed against Lakewood man in $73K landscaping scam | Tacoma News Tribune

Timothy Roosevelt Baugh, a 58-year-old man from Lakewood, has been charged with seven counts of theft after allegedly scamming two vulnerable adults out of $73,000. Prosecutors claim Baugh misrepresented his services while promising yard work over two years, with the investigation initiated following a report of potential elder abuse. Charging documents indicate that Baugh performed minimal yard work for a 71-year-old woman, convincing her to pay for personal expenses like hotel stays and car repairs. This is not Baugh's first offense; he was previously charged in July for scamming a 75-year-old man with dementia. After pleading not guilty, he was released on a home-monitoring device after posting bail.

With a hearing set for December 18, this case highlights the alarming trend of scams targeting vulnerable individuals in the community and raises ethical concerns about the exploitation of seniors. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed against Baugh.