Man Lived It Up On Elderly Victim’s Fortune: Deputies

PALM HARBOR, FL — A 45-year-old Palm Harbor man stands accused of bilking an elderly man out of more than $417,000 and then using the proceeds to live the high life. Deputies say Peter Anthony Maselli used the money to buy two new vehicles, pay off debt, remodel his home and go on a cruise.

The investigation into Maselli’s alleged criminal activities ended with his Tuesday, July 11 arrest on an exploitation of an elderly person charge. The probe into those activities began in November 2015 “when a local bank became suspicious of a large number of deposits and transfers involving an elderly male,” the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media.

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At the time the investigation began, deputies say the victim was living in an assisted living facility’s memory care unit in New York. Maselli was in Palm Harbor, however, “opening multiple accounts and depositing high dollar amount checks from liquidated assets belonging to the 82-year-old victim.”

As the investigation continued, Maselli’s power of attorney over the man was revoked, authorities say. They have not said how Maselli and the victim are connected. A new legal guardian was appointed for the man, the sheriff’s office added.

Maselli was booked into the Pinellas County Jail Tuesday. He was later released in lieu of $50,000 bond.

No further information is being released at this time. Authorities say the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. S. Bingham at 727-582-6786.

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Booking photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office