Canadian Accused Of Conning Seniors To Be Featured On America’s Most Wanted
Posted September 22, 2010 10:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police in Toronto are hoping Saturday’s episode of the “America’s Most Wanted” TV show will help flush out a man accused of fleecing the elderly.
Richard Earl Rupert is alleged to have stolen thousands of dollars from seniors, ranging from 78 to 95 after befriending them in their retirement homes.
Police allege Rupert, 54, presents himself as a distant relative, usually a nephew, and then convinces his victims to provide him with money for travel, car repairs or rent.
A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Rupert alleging geriatric victims in other Ontario communities such as Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Waterloo and St. Catharines, as well as Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg.
Police say Rupert, a native of Windsor, Ont., eluded Winnipeg police last month after he was spotted by a bank employee.
Toronto Det. John Dunlop says Rupert faces several counts of robbery, break-and-enter, fraud under $5,000, attempted fraud under $5,000 and theft under $5,000.
“He preys on the most vulnerable of society,” Dunlop said.
America’s Most Wanted producer Jon Lieberman said the segment on Rupert will air on prime time across Canada and the United States.
“I never like to predict, but this is a guy we have so many images of that I think somebody out there will recognize him and then do the right thing by turning him in,” said Lieberman.
Toronto Police released video of the suspect in January. Check it out below.
