The Betrayal: A Geauga County Senior's Trust, Stolen Piece by Piece

It's a story that, honestly, just plain hurts to hear. Another disheartening tale has surfaced from Geauga County, reminding us all of the profound vulnerability many senior citizens face – and, let's be frank, the deep betrayal that can come from those we invite into our homes.

Richard L. Pytel, Jr., a Middlefield man, forty-eight years old, now finds himself facing some rather serious charges. He's been accused, in truth, of felony theft, a grim accusation that paints a picture of exploitation. The allegations? That Pytel allegedly pilfered upwards of eight thousand, three hundred dollars – yes, you read that right, over $8,300 – from the credit card of an eighty-one-year-old senior. Someone who, for all intents and purposes, had placed her trust squarely in him.

This wasn't a one-off mistake, either; the reported illicit activity spanned many months. From early 2023, right through to July of 2024, Pytel was supposedly working on the senior’s home. Yet, during this period, he stands accused of making unauthorized charges on her plastic. Imagine that — while ostensibly providing a service, the very person hired for help was allegedly chipping away at a life's savings, or perhaps, simply her peace of mind.

And how, you might wonder, did this unsettling situation finally come to light? Well, as these things often do, it began with a referral. Our diligent Adult Protective Services stepped in, initiating an investigation that ultimately landed on the desks of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office. It’s a testament, truly, to the watchful eyes and crucial work these services provide for our most susceptible community members.

Pytel is now staring down the barrel of a fourth-degree felony charge, specifically for the abhorrent act of theft from an elderly person. It’s a charge that carries significant weight, as it absolutely should. Because when trust is broken in such a profound way, especially when it involves those who rely on us, justice, one would hope, will be served with both firmness and clarity. For now, the legal process will unfold, and we’ll be watching.