MURRIETA - Felony charges were filed today against a Hemet felon accused of bilking a 90-year-old victim out of more than $100,000 and suspected of doing the same to other senior citizens.

Arraignment is scheduled this afternoon for Gary Lee Wickham, 69, who is charged with embezzlement by a non-caretaker of a dependent adult and using false pretenses.

He also faces allegations of taking, destroying or damaging property; committing white-collar crime of more than $100,000; and having prior felony convictions and a "strike."

Investigators suspect there may be similar cases involving Wickham, who was arrested at his Hemet business on Tuesday and is being held in lieu of $122,000 bail.

Search warrants were served Tuesday at his home in the 3300 block of Park Avenue and his business, A-Z Home Inspection, in the 4400 block of Florida Avenue, said sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Mike.

Financial records were seized at both locations, Mike said.

Wickham is accused of befriending the elderly victim and fraudulently obtaining money, starting last year, the sergeant said.

Wickham, who also goes by the names of Ron J. McBeath and Fary Lee Wickham, pleaded guilty in June 2001 to grand theft charges in four different cases, ranging from 1998 to 1998, according to court records.

He was sentenced to four-year terms in three of the cases and three years in the other, with all time to be served concurrently. Most of the cases were out of Riverside, though one was prosecuted in Banning, according to records.

Anyone who had business dealings with the suspect was asked to call sheriff's investigators at (951) 487-7368.

Hemet man arrested on suspicion of bilking 90-year-old of $100K; similar cases being investigated

HEMET - A Hemet felon suspected of bilking a 90-year-old victim out of more than $100,000 was expected to appear in court tomorrow on Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] felony elder abuse and theft charges.

Investigators suspect there may be similar cases involving Gary Lee Wickham, 69, who was arrested at his Hemet business and is being held in lieu of $122,000 bail.

Search warrants were served Tuesday at his home in the 3300 block of Park Avenue and his business, A-Z Home Inspection, in the 4400 block of Florida Avenue, said sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Mike.

Financial records were seized at both locations, Mike said.

Wickham is accused of befriending the elderly victim and fraudulently obtaining money, starting last year, the sergeant said.

Wickham pleaded guilty in June 2001 to grand theft charges in four different cases, ranging from 1998 to 1998, according to court records.

He was sentenced to four-year terms in three of the cases and three years in the other, with all time to be served concurrently. Most of the cases were out of Riverside, though one was prosecuted in Banning, according to records.

Anyone who had business dealings with the suspect was asked to call sheriff's investigators at (951) 487-7368.

HEMET - A Hemet man was arrested today on suspicion of bilking a 90-year-old victim out of more than $100,000, and investigators suspect there may be similar cases, a sheriff's sergeant said.

Search warrants were served at the home of 69-year-old Gary Lee Wickham in the 3300 block of Park Avenue and his business, A-Z Home Inspection, in the 4400 block of Florida Avenue, said Sgt. Stephen Mike.

Financial records were seized at both locations and Wickham was taken into custody at his business on Florida Avenue, Mike said.

Wickham is accused of befriending the elderly victim and fraudulently obtaining money, starting last year, the sergeant said.

Anyone who had business dealings with the suspect was asked to call Investigator Farwell at (951) 487-7368.