BENTON, Ill. – A Southern Illinois man admitted to stealing $330,000 from an elder in a scheme that began with him posing as a lawn care worker.

On Tuesday, Edward L. Stief, Jr., 42, of Effingham County, pleaded guilty to three federal charges: One count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of unlawful monetary transactions in criminal derived property.

According to court documents, Stief met the victim in May 2023 and became acquainted to him while offering lawn care and landscaping services.

Shortly thereafter, Stief used several misrepresentations to convince the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney. Stief eventually became a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts.

In August 2023, Stief talked the victim into cashing out life insurance policies and deposited most of the victim’s money into his personal bank accounts. Stief also took the victim’s gold coin collection, gold necklaces and watches, according to his plea agreement.

Investigators say, in October 2023, Stief persuaded the victim to leave a nursing home facility and move into his full-time care. Under Stief’s direction, the victim was not cared for and his medical needs were not met.

“The defendant posed as a trusted helper, offering lawn care services to gain the victim’s confidence, only to exploit his trust,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft via a news release. “He then deceived this vulnerable victim into leaving a nursing home with false promises of care, just to pocket more money. We will relentlessly pursue such financial predators to protect southern Illinois communities.”

“After a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve to feel safe and secure. Instead, criminals like this defendant shatter that trust, stealing not just their money but their sense of security,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson. “FBI Springfield and our partners will continue to hold those who commit elder fraud accountable for their callous and reprehensible actions.”

Stief is expected to be sentenced on Dec. 2 and could face up to 50 years behind bars with his convictions.