California Man Accused of Elder Abuse

The State of California accused and charged Peter Reiter with elder abuse. Officials claim that Reiter exploited an elderly Santa Cruz woman, Eva Krageness, and her blind son. Reiter claims that the money that he received from Krageness was, in fact, payments for services that he rendered to her. Reither even claims that Krageness knew what she was doing, and that she intended to give him the unusually high payments. 

The relationship between Reiter and Krageness began when he became her gardener in 2000. By 2004, Reiter took on several other responsibilities when Krageness became unable to drive herself. Reiter did almost everything for Krageness. In exchange for this services, Krageness paid Reither reportedly thousands of dollars. Now Reiter is in a dispute with Sally Cobaugh, the executor of the Kragenesses’ Estate, claiming that Reiter took advantage of her aunt. Reiter’s trial will continue on Monday. 

See Jessica M. Pasko, Man Accused Of Financial Elder Abuse Says Santa Cruz Woman Paid Him Richly By Her Choice, MercuryNews, May 18, 2012.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.