Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has charged a Flagler County real estate agent with committing an “elaborate scam” on a couple from Ormond Beach who hired him to sell their house.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45-year-old Jason Valiant on Thursday on several offenses, including taking advantage of an elderly couple. Volusia County, where the crimes were committed, has an ongoing felony warrant for his arrest.
According to officials, Valiant made false documents claiming to be the couple’s power of attorney and healthcare surrogate after both victims fell ill and were admitted to the hospital.
According to Chitwood, Valiant also gave one of the victims a Do Not Resuscitate order. The following day, the victim was removed from life support.
According to Chitwood, Valiant then took the victim’s automobile, willed their house and two other properties to himself, and emptied money from their bank accounts.
Chitwood claimed that Valiant used the victim’s credit card for things like lawyer expenses, a teeth-whitening process, car washing, meals and beverages, and gas, in addition to the hundreds of dollars in checks he is accused of stealing.
According to property appraiser values, Valiant paid $1.6 million for the three residences he purchased after the victim passed away. Valiant and another realtor, Constance Kellner, discussed turning two of the properties—which were oceanfront Flagler Beach parcels—into a sizable hotel or condominium complex.
Chitwood claimed that rather than trying to sell the houses, Valiant seems to have given his victims phony, low offers, including one from his own business.
Valiant is accused of committing organized fraud, taking advantage of an elderly or disabled individual, stealing more than $100,000, stealing a car, using personal identification information illegally, and using credit cards illegally.
He has a $375,000 bond and is being held at the Flagler County jail.
Additionally, Kellner was taken into custody and is being charged with two counts of accessory after the fact. According to Chitwood, the inquiry revealed that she assisted Valiant with the forged paperwork and was fully aware of his plan.