TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - A Kitsap County man who was supposed to be handling money for disabled and elderly clients has instead admitted to stealing it.
Wayne Jerome Houston, of Port Ludlow, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on Friday to fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the 61-year-old operated the guardianship firm Cross Point Services LLC, but stole as much as $280,000 from two dozen clients between 2010 and 2018.
U.S. Attorney Brian Moran said he stole on at least 240 occasions. Houston had access to his clients’ bank accounts so he could pay their rent and other expenses. Some of the stolen money consisted of Social Security payments.
U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton is scheduled to sentence Houston in April. Prosecutors said they would recommend no more than 40 months in prison.
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