Augusta man charged for exploiting disabled man out of $117,000

An Augusta man accused of cheating a disabled adult out of $117,000 has been charged with exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult and unauthorized practice of law.

Charles Lee Miles, 50, was arrested Friday, the day Miles' home was searched as part of an investigation by the Crimes Against the Vulnerable and Elderly task force.

According to an affidavit for a search warrant signed by Investigator William Loomer, Miles befriended a 67-year-old man, who is 100 percent disabled due to a heart condition, last year. By the start of 2018, Miles had allegedly convinced the victim to lend him money to pay bills, child support, $6,000 to “save” his aunt’s life, and $800 for an attorney who Miles claimed was handling real estate transactions for him.

Miles convinced the disabled man that he stood to inherit $350,000 and properties around town, according to the affidavit. He took the disabled man to see some of the properties, and promised to repay all he had borrowed and an additional $25,000 as a fee, according to the search warrant affidavit.

On Nov. 20, the disabled man’s stepdaughter made an appointment with the attorney Miles claimed was handling the real estate transactions. Miles showed up for the appointment uninvited and had to be asked to leave, according to the affidavit. The attorney didn’t know Miles or the disabled man nor was she hired to work for either man.

The disabled man kept ledgers detailing the loans to Miles, and while one was turned over to law enforcement, Miles took the rest, according to the search warrant affidavit used to search Miles’ home.

Miles has not yet appeared in court. He is being held without bond pending a court hearing.