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WESTCHESTER---A man who claimed to be a handyman has been charged with defrauding four elderly women.
 Edward Mangenheimer, 70, was arraigned Friday on a 16-count including three counts of second degree forgery, three counts of third degree grand larceny, three counts of first degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, one count of first degree scheme to defraud and a number of other related charges.
Westchester district attorney Janet DiFiore said that over a two and a half year period from June 2004 to January 2007, Mangenheimer engaged in a systematic and continuing course of conduct during which he defrauded four elderly women, ages 79, 80, 81 and 99 years old, claiming that he was a representative of Unique Choice, Inc., a Westchester County home improvement contractor, issuing work orders and collecting money on their behalf.
Although he worked for the contractor as a salesman, he was not authorized to "create" his own work orders, perform any work or collect any money on their behalf, DiFiore said. He allegedly retained the fees that he collected from these women for his own use and personal benefit.
A total of $49,680 was stolen from his four victims, prosecutors said.
Police from the Towns of Mount Pleasant, Greenburgh, and Harrison coordinated their efforts throughout the investigation of this case, leading to Mangenheimer's arrest.
If convicted, he faces a minimum of two to a maximum of seven years in state prison on the top counts.
Bail was set at $75,000, cash or bond. Temporary orders of protection were issued.
Mangenheimer's next court appearance is on March 2. 2-24-07
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© 2007 North
Country Gazette
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