Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit

Richard Alan Kess (Arrested)
DOB: 04/18/1950
Address: 11685 116^th Street N, Seminole
Charges: Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Adult

Nancy Wolf Kess (Victim- Deceased)
DOB: 12/24/1917
Address: 2010 Greenbriar Blvd, Apartment #109, Clearwater

What:
After an extensive investigation that lasted more than two years, detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a suspect who they say exploited his elderly disabled mother and stole almost a half million dollars from her trust.

When:
The suspect was arrested on October 22, 2015.

The investigation began in August 2013.

Where:
The investigation was conducted in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
After an extensive investigation that lasted more than two years, detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a suspect who they say exploited his elderly mother and stole almost a half million dollars from her trust.
In October 2011, the victim, 95-year-old Nancy Kess, was confined to a local assisted living facility and was incapable of caring for herself due to various medical issues. She relinquished herself as the sole trustee of her trust and the previously arranged trust moved her son, 65-year-old Richard Kess, from co-successor, to trustee upon incapacitation of Nancy Kess.

Detectives say that over the course of two years, family members became concerned about reports of the lifestyle Richard Kess was living and were suspicious of the money he appeared to have despite not working. When Richard was questioned by family members about his mother’s assets, Richard was unable to account for large sums of money, and he was uncooperative.

In August 2013, a family member notified Economic Crimes Detectives of the concern, and detectives began their investigation. Through various investigative techniques, detectives obtained records to document that Richard Kess was violating his position as trustee and was spending large amounts of money which was not for the benefit or care of Nancy Kess.  Detectives estimated that Nancy’s assets were being drained at an alarming pace of approximately $30,000 a month.

Detectives say that Richard Kess was withdrawing large sums of money from various accounts belonging to Nancy Kess, and he was spending the money on various things including strip clubs, airline tickets, tattoos, and sports bars. During the investigation and shortly after Nancy Kess passed away in May 2014, detectives discovered that changes were made to the victim’s power of attorney documents.

Detectives estimate that Richard Kess spent a total of $483,682.54 of Nancy Kess’s trust fund for himself between October 2011 and August 2013.

On October 22, 2015, Richard Kess was arrested at his residence and was charged with Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Adult.

Richard was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident. 

The investigation continues.


Richard Kess's booking photograph.