A Newport man is pleading not guilty to a federal charge related to accusations that he financially exploited his stepfather.
Dennis Crawford, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of wire fraud.
According to a news release from the U.S. attorney for the District of Vermont’s office, Crawford was granted power of attorney for his stepfather, enabling him to make financial decisions, in April 2015. He put his name on his stepfather’s bank account, the district attorney’s office said.
Crawford allegedly transferred $200,000 from his stepfather’s account into his own over a period of three months. The indictment charges that he spent the money on furniture and vehicles for himself and his family.
The Vermont State Police investigated Crawford, which resulted in a case in state court in November in which Crawford was charged with financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The state case was dropped when the federal indictment was returned, according to the release.
The charge Crawford faces carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
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