Sarasota man exploits grandmother, misappropriates more than $100,000

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ryan Michael Leach, 33, for Exploitation of the Elderly. According to the release, Leach misappropriated more than $100,000 of his grandmother’s money for personal gain.

Leach was granted Power of Attorney over his 84-year-old grandmother in August 2010. Shortly after, purchases began to appear at bars, restaurants, hotels and theme parks and for airfare and a $14,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

According to a Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office press release, Power of Attorney only gives an individual the fiduciary duty to handle another’s financial affairs, and it is illegal for a person with Power of Attorney to use funds for themselves.

The money came from Leach’s grandmother’s checking account, savings account, a CD and home equity line of credit.

Contact Eddie Kirsch at [email protected].