GBI Makes Arrest Talbotton Elder Abuse Exploitation Investigation

Talbotton, GA (February 2, 2021) – On Monday, February 2, 2021, the GBI arrested Fred Bales, 62, of Hall County, Georgia, and charged him with eight counts of exploitation and intimidation of an elderly person.

On Thursday, October 15, 2020, the GBI was requested by the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an allegation of elder abuse fraud.

During the investigation, it was determined that Bales and other unknown individuals working together had contacted an elderly female, age 79, in Talbot County targeting her as part of a scam. The victim was informed that she had won a car and the lottery and in order to receive the car and lottery “win,” she had to send Bales money towards fees. On several different occasions, in anticipation of receiving the car and the lottery proceeds, the victim provided Bales cash, wrote checks, and sent Bales money via electronic wire transfers. The amount of money involved in the scam totaled approximately $61,200.00.

This investigation between the GBI and Talbot County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing and may involve other elderly victims. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case file will be submitted to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the GBI Columbus Office at (706) 565-7888. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.