A Sampson County investigation stemming from allegations that a disabled veteran was financially exploited has grown to include three additional women, with authorities saying there could be more victims.
Richard Allen Gilbert, 60, of 950 Red Hill Church Road, Clinton, faces multiple felony charges following an investigation into what Sampson County Sheriff’s investigators described as an alleged scheme involving financial exploitation, fraud and extortion.
According to Chief Deputy Marcus Smith, a probe began Sept. 17 after reports to the Sheriff’s Office that a 69-year-old disabled veteran who recently moved to Sampson County from Virginia may have been financially exploited. Investigators said the woman met Gilbert through Facebook Dating and later developed a relationship with him.
According to Smith, Gilbert allegedly made false claims about connections to government agencies, the military, special operations and other organizations as he gained the woman’s trust. Authorities contend he eventually gained access to her financial accounts and debit cards.
The woman told investigators Gilbert claimed certain people needed her debit cards to monitor or track her financial activity. After turning over the cards, she reported losing significant control of her finances and receiving only limited amounts of her own money to pay for necessities.
She estimated approximately $120,000 may have been taken from her income during the alleged scheme, although investigators are still working to determine the total loss.
Detectives reviewed financial records showing numerous ATM withdrawals, debit-card purchases, fees and other transactions. Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and transaction records they say connect Gilbert to the use of one of the woman’s debit cards.
As detectives continued looking into the allegations, Smith said they identified three other women who authorities say fell victim to the same or a similar scheme, one from Sampson, one from Harnett, and another from Carteret County.
Investigators allege Gilbert developed relationships with the women and gained their trust by making false claims about his identity, employment, professional credentials, military or government connections, finances or his ability to provide assistance. Authorities say he then obtained access to their money or financial accounts.
The additional women described similar circumstances, according to investigators, including Gilbert allegedly gaining access to debit cards or money through deception and requesting money for supposed legal or real estate services.
In one case, investigators allege Gilbert claimed to be an attorney and a member of Special Forces while seeking payment for services he said he could provide.
Gilbert was initially charged Sept. 17 with felony exploitation of an older or disabled adult, obtaining property by false pretense, financial card fraud and extortion.
The financial card fraud charge stems from alleged unauthorized transactions involving the first victim’s Navy Federal debit card between Aug. 24 and Sept. 15. The extortion charge alleges threats involving government-related harm were used to obtain money and financial cards.
Gilbert was located and arrested Sept. 22 by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department in Carteret County, where the Sampson County warrants were served.
Following the arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant for property and electronic devices associated with Gilbert. Detectives are continuing to review those devices, financial records and information provided by the identified women as they work to determine the extent of the alleged activity.
Sheriff Jimmy Thornton cautioned that financial exploitation can develop gradually and may involve someone a victim has come to know and trust.
“Cases like this are a reminder that financial exploitation does not always begin with a stranger asking for money,” Thornton stated. “It can begin with someone building trust over weeks or months and gradually gaining control over a victim’s finances, property or personal life.”
Thornton said investigators will continue following the evidence and encouraged anyone who believes they experienced similar circumstances to contact authorities.
“Our investigators will continue following the evidence wherever it leads, and we encourage anyone who believes they may have been victimized in a similar manner to come forward,” he added.
Smith said so far four women have been identified as alleged victims, but detectives believe others may not yet have contacted law enforcement.
Anyone who has had financial dealings with Gilbert or believes they may have been targeted in a similar manner is asked to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges could be filed as detectives continue examining financial and electronic evidence.