VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – According to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, a Flagler County real estate agent is facing charges for allegedly running an “elaborate scam” on an Ormond Beach couple who hired him to sell their property.
On Thursday, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jason Valiant, 45, on various offenses, including exploitation of an elderly couple. He has an active felony warrant out for his arrest in Volusia County, where the crimes occurred.
When both victims grew ill and were hospitalized, Valiant allegedly prepared bogus documents naming himself as the couple’s healthcare proxy and power of attorney.
Chitwood reported that Valiant also signed a Do Not Resuscitate order for one of the victims. The victim was taken off life support the next day.
According to Chitwood, Valiant depleted the victim’s bank accounts, willed their home and two other properties to himself, and stole their automobile.
In addition to the thousands of dollars in checks that Valiant is suspected of taking, Chitwood claims he used the victim’s credit card for attorney’s expenses, a teeth whitening process, auto detailing, supper and drinks, and gas.
According to property appraiser values, Valiant paid $1.6 million for the three properties it acquired following the victim’s death. Two of the properties were oceanfront Flagler Beach acres, which Valiant and another realtor, Constance Kellner, discussed converting into a major condo complex or hotel.
Instead of attempting to sell the houses, Chitwood claims Valiant presented his victims with fraudulent, low-ball offers, including one from his own company.
Valiant faces allegations of organized fraud, exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, grand theft of more than $100,000, grand theft of a vehicle, unlawful use of personal identification information, and illegal credit card use.
He is being jailed at the Flagler County Jail on a $375,000 bond.
Kellner was also detained and faces two counts of accessory after the fact. Chitwood claimed the investigation revealed she was fully aware of Valiant’s scam and assisted him with the bogus documents.
