Police Search For Man They Believe Swindled 92-Year-Old Woman Out Of Livelihood

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police are asking for help finding a 58-year-old man they suspect bilked a 92-year-old woman out of her apartment building.

Investigators suspect Carlson A. Jackson tricked Mabel Miles into handing over the deed to the property, which she rented out as her sole source of income.

The victim says she knew Jackson since he was a child, when they both lived in Detroit.

"He was always so nice," Miles said. "All the time I guess he was trying to take advantage."

Her niece Carol White says the whole episode has been heart-breaking: "It was a shame to see her like that. I'm telling you I cried when I saw her. It was just so painful, it really was. I can't believe he would do her like that."

For 40 years, Miles owned and lived in the eight-unit apartment building in the 1900 block of Palm Grove. Police say she owned the property free and clear.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Jackson convinced Miles to sell the building to him for $250,000 -- which was roughly a quarter of the appraised value.

Police said Jackson then opened a joint bank account in his and the victim's name. He placed the $250,000 he paid for the building in the account and transferred all of the money out.

Miles has been left penniless.

On top of that, police say Jackson is having all the rent checks re-routed to him.

"No conscience," LAPD Det. Carmen Sasso said of Jackson. "There's a special place in the netherworld for someone like that."

"He has caused her a lot of pain, yes he has. Her money and her property, she needs it back. She worked hard to get it. And it wasn't up to him to just come in overnight and just take everything she worked for her whole life. She's 92 years old. It's a shame," White said.

Authorities say Jackson refused to answer questions or cooperate with investigators during an initial telephone interview.

Detectives described Jackson as African-American, 5-foot-11 and approximately 290 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding Jackson's whereabouts is urged to contact LAPD Wilshire area detectives at (213) 922-8257. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting the phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cellphone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD."

Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.