Pair sentenced to state prison for theft from elder suffering dementia

GREENFIELD –  Franklin Superior Court Judge John Agostini today sentenced two people to 3-5 years in state prison in connection with a near daily scheme in which they stole more than $100,000 from a man suffering from dementia.

Jason Hamon, 47, of Turners Falls pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and three counts of larceny from an elder over $250.  Rebecca Campagna, 39, of Greenfield pleaded guilty to conspiracy and two counts of larceny from an elder over $250. 

The crimes occurred starting in 2018 and continued through 2020, during which time Hamon and Campagna cashed hundreds of checks using a series of false pretenses, slowly and methodically draining the 78-year-old victim’s life savings. They did so with full knowledge that he was suffering from dementia and lacked the capacity to consent.

In Franklin Superior Court today, Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Joseph Webber urged Judge Agostini to adopt a 3-5 year prison sentence, citing the severity of the crimes, the harm done to the victim and his family, the importance of punishment and deterrence and the criminal records of both Hamon and Campagna as reason for the recommendation.

That sentence recommendation was agreed-upon by Greenfield attorney Robert J. Bray, representing Hamon, and Greenfield attorney Daniel Solomon, representing Campagna.

"The defendants richly deserved state prison sentences for their repeated exploitation of a vulnerable elder,” said ADA Webber. “Anyone who suspects this sort of abuse might be happening is encouraged to contact their local police department, the District Attorney's Office, or Elder Protective Services."

Reports of elder abuse can be filed 24 hours a day either online at www.mass.gov/how-to/report-elder-abuse or by phone at (800) 922-2275. Elder abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation and self-neglect. Elder Protective Services investigates cases in which the person 60 or over.

To report abuse of a person with a disability under the age of 60, call the Disabled Persons Protection Commission at (800) 426-9009. To report abuse of a person by nursing home or hospital, call the Department of Public Health at (800) 462-5540. Call 911 or local police if you have an emergency or life-threatening situation.