Son Accused Of Stealing His Mom's Identity

SPRING HILL - Authorities say Sean Welsh attempted to steal almost $80,000 from his mother by using her identity to open nine credit cards and selling her possessions.

Welsh, 37, moved in with the 75-year-old victim in May of last year, and by mid-June some suspicious activity was noticed in her bank accounts.

The odd behavior of Welsh had also attracted the attention of the victim's housekeeper, who told a detective that Welsh would hide in his room while she was working.

It was the housekeeper who came across credit cards issued to the victim under Welsh's pillow and two Oriental rugs valued at $14,000 missing from the home, according to a report.

The suspect's sister began her own investigation and was able to stop much of the fraudulent activity Welsh attempted, Detective Jeff Kraft reported.

But before she stepped in, Welsh opened nine credit card accounts with his mother's identity, which he used to purchase a computer and a video game system, an affidavit shows.

He got away with cashing checks for $4,949, but various banks blocked him from his attempts to withdraw $21,415, Kraft discovered.

Welsh sold his mother's Honda to a suspected drug dealer for $4,000, but the rugs he reportedly stole were far more valuable at $14,000.

Kraft places the total attempted and successful theft at $79,968, but he can confidently say that Welsh stole $40,753 from his mother.

The alleged thefts slipped by the victim because she has dementia.

Welsh, of 4414 Cadbury Road, faces multiple fraud-related charges, along with exploitation of the elderly and dealing in stolen property.