A Mountain Home man has been arrested and faces a felony charge for allegedly exploiting over $100,000 from a 76-year-old man he befriended, authorities say.
James Oliver Lever, 57, is accused of exploiting the victim, according to a probable cause affidavit and information provided by the Mountain Home Police Department. The victim’s guardian reported Lever had been financially exploiting the man since last year after meeting him while performing work at the victim’s residence.
Bank records obtained by investigators reportedly trace the financial exploitation back to September 2022. Over a 10-month period, approximately $76,800 was transferred to Lever through checks drawn from the victim's checking account, while $6,420 was withdrawn through ATMs. Investigators also cited an additional account from which roughly $22,015 was taken. The total amount Lever is alleged to have exploited stands at $105,235.
Mountain Home Police interviewed Lever, who reportedly admitted to abusing his relationship with the victim. Lever allegedly confessed to using the victim's funds to cover personal expenses for himself and his children.
Lever has been charged with felony abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an endangered or impaired person involving more than $2,500. He is being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.
The case continues to be under investigation.