PROVIDENCE, RI — A New Jersey man has been charged in Rhode Island with taking more than $10,000 from an elderly victim, according to state police. Damion Graham, 39, of Lodi, surrendered at Rhode Island State Police Headquarters at about 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 and was taken into custody.
Police said he was arrested on charges of obtaining more than $10,000 from a person older than 65 under false pretenses and exploitation of an elderly person. After being processed, Graham was arraigned in Third District Court.
Police say Graham turned himself in at state police headquarters
The Rhode Island State Police said Graham came to headquarters voluntarily before his arrest. His surrender happened at about 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, according to the agency’s media release.
Authorities did not provide details about what led to the theft allegations or how the money was taken. They also did not say when the underlying conduct is believed to have happened, only that the case involved a victim older than 65.
Because the case is being handled through the criminal justice system, any further allegations would have to be tested in court. For now, the public information is limited to the charges filed and the conditions set after his arraignment.
Charges involve false pretenses and elder exploitation
Graham faces two charges: obtaining more than $10,000 from a person older than 65 under false pretenses and exploitation of an elderly person. Those accusations indicate police believe an older adult was targeted in a financial scheme or deceptive transaction.
The state police release identified Graham as a resident of Lodi, New Jersey. No additional suspects were named, and investigators did not announce whether anyone else may have been involved.
Officials also did not say whether the alleged loss was a one-time transfer or part of a broader pattern. The amount listed in the charge is above $10,000, but no more precise figure was released.
Third District Court arraignment leads to passport order and bail
After processing at state police headquarters, Graham was arraigned in Third District Court. The court ordered him to relinquish his passport and set surety bail at $50,000, according to police.
A surety bail requirement means a financial guarantee is needed for release under the court’s terms. Police did not say whether Graham remained in custody after the hearing or whether the bail was posted immediately.
The passport order suggests the court considered travel restrictions part of the case conditions. No further court dates or additional restrictions were included in the police statement.
Rhode Island authorities have released few details about the victim
Police described the victim only as a person older than 65. They did not release the victim’s name, gender, town, or relationship, if any, to Graham.
That limited disclosure is common in cases involving older adults, especially when investigators are protecting privacy while charges move forward. The state police release gave no indication of the victim’s current condition or whether any money had been recovered.
Without those details, the case now turns on the formal allegations and what prosecutors can prove in court. At this stage, the public record is centered on the arrest, the charge, and the bail decision.
Elder fraud cases often rely on deceptive financial promises
Cases like this typically allege that a suspect gained money through deceit rather than force. The specific charge of false pretenses suggests police believe the victim was persuaded or misled into handing over funds.
While the Rhode Island State Police did not describe the alleged method, cases involving older adults frequently draw attention because they can leave victims with serious financial harm. That is why allegations of exploitation are often paired with separate theft-related charges.
For Graham, the state’s accusations now move into the court process. The police release does not mention a plea, and no outcome has been announced.
