Auburn man sentenced for stealing more than $600,000 from 91-year-old widow
An Auburn man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing more than $611,000 from a 91-year-old widow’s bank account.
Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere and Alabama Securities Commission Director Amanda Senn announced that 50-year-old James Clayton Langford III was sentenced to 15 years, split to serve two years with a 10-year probationary period.
He was sentenced for committing one count of aggravated theft by deception by Judge Christopher Hughes of the 37th Judicial Circuit Court. Langford was also ordered to pay $611,292.65 in restitution to the victim.
Langford is currently out on bond.
Prosecutors say Langford acted in a fiduciary capacity for the victim, serving as the trustee on her bank account. They say he gained the family’s confidence through a long-standing business and personal relationship.
Prosecutors say to avoid detection, Langford stole the money in small amounts over two years. They say his criminal activity only stopped when concerned family members became suspicious and reported his activity to law enforcement.
Prosecutors say Langford used the money for his personal use.
“Langford’s sinister actions, while he was appointed as fiduciary to take care of his elderly victim, are reprehensible in a way that is difficult for many people to grasp. Everyone needs to be extremely vigilant in helping protect their elderly family members, friends, and clients from becoming victims,” ASC Director Amanda Senn said.
Senn also commended the work of the Alabama Legislature in passing the “Aggravated Theft by Deception” Act, which Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law in 2019.
The ASC cautions investors to thoroughly research any investment opportunity. Call the ASC at 1-800-222-1253 and ask for the registration department to check out persons offering investment opportunities, investment advice for a fee, and any products they offer.
Contact the ASC to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available at www.asc.alabama.gov.
