Three Charged with Scheming To Defraud A Disabled Adult

HIGH SPRINGS – Charles “Doc” Edward Williams, 79, High Springs, was arrested on Feb. 6 following an investigation in which it was discovered that he had solicited two individuals to clean out a house and dispose of the owner’s possessions without the owner’s permission.

The arrest followed an investigation in which High Springs Police Department (HSPD) patrol officer Nodarse noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at a residence at 23000 N.W. 182^nd Avenue in High Springs. The officer had prior knowledge that the current occupant of the home was incarcerated in a jail facility and was awaiting transport for long-term medical care.

According to the HSPD, Nodarse noticed the suspicious vehicle on Feb. 1 and made contact with an individual at the house, who said they had been hired to clean, paint and dispose of personal belongings inside the house, all without the victim’s knowledge or consent.

Williams had solicited Clarice Robinson and Eddie Russel, both of whom are also charged with exploitation of a disabled adult and scheming to defraud, to not only clean out the house, but also to pay the tax bill on the property and resume utilities at the house with the promise of letting them live in the home. Robinson and Russel discarded and burned most of the belongings inside the home and changed the locks.

Williams knew of the victim’s diminished mental capacity and was placed in a position of trust and confidence by the victim to care for the victim’s property and belongings.

Destroyed items included personal items, mattresses, clothing, photographs, artwork and furniture.

Williams has been released on his own recognizance with a GPS monitor. He also has a pending misdemeanor charge for selling beer without a license in June 2021. Williams was arrested in October on that charge and was also released on his own recognizance at that time.

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