A man accused of defrauding an elderly Half Moon Bay couple with cognitive issues of over $2.5 million pleaded not guilty Thursday to theft by false pretenses and other charges, San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
San Lorenzo resident an unlicensed contractor John Wilson, 52, allegedly swindled a couple aged 92 and 82 after knocking at their door in rural Half Moon Bay in 2024 and offering construction work. Prosecutors say the couple had cognitive issues and agreed to months of repairs to their home. Wilson allegedly worked on the couples’ kitchen, bathroom and basement, as well as solar panels.
In March 2025, the couples’ neighbor was helping them with their taxes and found payments to Wilson allegedly spread out over 57 checks totaling $2.9 million. According to Wagstaffe, this was more than the value of their home. The California State Contractors Board estimated the value of Wilson’s alleged work to be $217,350, Wagstaffe said.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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