He Waited Until She Died… Then Cashed In — Son Accused of Forging Mother’s Checks

Leesburg, Fla. (ZIP code- 34748)— June 30, 2025 — A Leesburg man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly forging his late mother’s personal checks and withdrawing more than $12,000 from her account, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the fraud was discovered when the deceased woman’s bank flagged suspicious activity, noting several checks written after her recorded date of death. An investigation confirmed at least four checks had been forged and cashed over a period of several weeks.

The suspect, whose name has not yet been released publicly, was taken into custody over the weekend. He is currently being held at the Lake County Jail on charges including grand theft, uttering a forged instrument, and exploitation of the elderly.

“This was a calculated act of financial abuse,” said Detective R. Miller with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “We believe the suspect deliberately took advantage of the time between his mother’s passing and the account closure.”

The incident occurred in a quiet neighborhood near Citrus Boulevard and Griffin Road in Leesburg, ZIP code 34748. Neighbors expressed disbelief at the allegations.

“She was a kind, generous woman,” said Ellen Martinez, a longtime neighbor. “I can’t believe her own son would do this.”

The case marks the second major elder-related financial crime reported in Lake County this year, raising concerns about the need for quicker financial closures and better post-mortem identity safeguards.

Authorities are encouraging residents to promptly close or freeze financial accounts after the death of a loved one, and to report any irregular activity immediately.

Resources:

• Florida Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-866-357-6677

• Federal Identity Theft Assistance: www.identitytheft.gov

• Lake County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: 352-343-9500

The suspect’s first court appearance is scheduled for later this week. Additional charges may be filed as investigators continue to audit the accounts involved.