Captain Frank Surmaczewicz
Criminal Investigation Division
Port Orange Police Department
(386) 506-5899
Case# 09-008641   

                              LAWN MAN CHARGED WITH EXPLOITING ELDERLY CLIENT

On September 18, 2009 the Port Orange Police Department was contacted by a resident of the South Willow Avenue area in Port Orange who was concerned for an 86-year-old neighbor. Upon arrival of the police, Harold McBride Lawn Service was on scene at the 86 year old victim’s residence. 

Statements were obtained from the 86-year-old victim, Harold McBride, 45, as well as banking documents which revealed that Harold McBride was in fact exploiting the 86 year old victim. 

Harold McBride, 610 Colfax Drive, Daytona Beach, solicited the 86-year-old victim for his lawn service approximately three months ago. Harold McBride coordinated a business arrangement in order to complete very basic lawn care duties; he then took advantage of the 86 year old victim in an effort to obtain money. Bank records reflect he was able to obtain approximately $24,163.00 from the 86-year-old victim over the last three months. A reasonable and prudent person would determine that this amount of money is excessive for the type of work and services completed. This excessive pricing, coupled with the age and mental capabilities of the 86-year-old victim clearly shows that Harold McBride had been in fact exploiting this business relationship in an effort to obtain money. 

On September 23, 2009 Detective Eric Fields obtained an arrest warrant against Harold McBride for the charge of Exploitation of the Elderly over $20,000.00. The arrest warrant was signed by Judge William Parsons and stipulated a bond amount of $10,000.00. Harold McBride was arrested today at 4:32 pm and transported to VCBJ under the $10,000.00 bond.