Senior left in ‘financial ruin’, evicted from retirement home after being duped by ‘friend’

A Brampton man is facing several charges after he allegedly exploited an 85-year-old woman and left her in financial ruin.

Halton police say the victim hired a man seven years ago to complete some maintenance at her home in Oakville.

They say the man befriended the victim and eventually convinced her to give him access to her finances.

“Two properties were sold and a vehicle was purchased for the accused,” said Halton police in a news release. “In early 2022, the victim was left in financial ruin and evicted from her retirement home. At that point police were contacted and began an investigation.”

Police say the victim was also sexually assaulted on two occasions.

On Saturday, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Brampton and arrested 58-year-old Robert Pellegrino.

He has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count each of utter threats and fraud over $5,000.

Pellegrino has been released from custody pending a court appearance.

Anyone with further information that could help police with the investigation is asked to contact Det. Const. Gillian Clarke at 905-825-4777, ext. 2221.