On May 26, Charles Melvin Turner, 43, pleaded no contest to six felony counts of first degree burglary, elder financial abuse, grand theft and contractor fraud.

Turner, who lived in a rented house off Saratoga Avenue, was arrested in October 2004 after one of the victims he had swindled contacted a lawyer for advice.

Detectives at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department soon found that Turner had collected many thousands of dollars from elderly couples in the Saratoga and Los Gatos area after promising them that he would invest the money in businesses he owned. Turner's businesses included a vending machine company, a landscaping firm and a dating service.

Sheriff's Deputy Larry Lundin said that Turner never invested the money. Instead, he and his wife used the money to finance an extravagant lifestyle.

"It was not uncommon for them to walk into a bar and buy drinks for everyone. He owned two Hummers. We found a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle in his garage. He had also used the money to buy a few RVs," said Lundin.

Turner used his landscaping business called Four Seasons to get acquainted with people.

"He is an extremely charming man. He's a fast-talker and has lots of energy," Lundin said.

Turner always tried to befriend the elderly and the vulnerable, said law enforcement officials.

Some of his victims, including two Saratoga couples, are now facing foreclosure of their homes.

"There might still be more victims out there. Many of them are embarrassed and blame themselves. Some think it is a civil case," said Cindy Seeley Hendrickson, a deputy district attorney for the County of Santa Clara.

Hendrickson said that Turner was about to flee to Los Angeles when he was arrested. Turner's wife is not being charged in the case.

Court records show that Turner had a prior conviction for burglary in Florida more than 10 years ago.

Lundin said that about $100,000 has been recovered from one of Turner's bank accounts and has been returned to one of the victims.

"He was spending money very fast," said Lundin. "He got caught up in his own game."

Individuals who feel that they have been victims of elder fraud are urged to call Adult Protective Services at 800.414.2002.