BJ Helvy, 48, of Belleview has been charged with one count of exploitation of the elderly and one count of fraud, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The case started Jan. 14 with a victim who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Helvy was hired to do tree service for the victim who lives in Ocklawaha. In the end, Helvy charged the victim $7,740 for the work. The victim considered the cost “to be in great excess for the work.”
A family member helped the victim contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators learned from two other tree service companies that the charge was excessive. Estimates put the value of the tree service between $1,700-$2,330.
“That shows the suspect as grossly overcharging the victim for tree services,” according to the arrest affidavit.
Helvy was booked into the Marion County Jail and later released on a $2,000 bond.