Westminster Businessman Sentenced In Elder Theft Case

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A Westminster businessman was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for coaxing an elderly Costa Mesa woman into paying $320,000 for a home security system valued at $25,000.

In December 2009, the woman paid $1,800 for the security system, but was told by the company that sold it to her that they would not install it. She was subsequently referred to the defendant, Adam Michael Margaros.

Over a six-month period, prosecutors say Margaros installed 20 surveillance cameras around the woman's residence that were hooked up to monitors inside the home.

Prosecutors say another security firm estimated that the job should have cost the victim $25,000 but that the victim liquidated a retirement account in order to pay for it.

On May 7, 2012, Margaros pleaded guilty to theft from an elder.

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