Merrimack Valley Man Held Without Bail in Alleged Elder Abuse Case

WOBURN – A 35-year-old Merrimack Valley man was ordered held without bail as "a danger" accused of a series abuses against a 66-year-old friend, who acted as a Good Samaritan, only to have the suspect physically and financially abuse the victim, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

In Middlesex Superior Court on Friday, Kevin Walker, 35, of Billerica, was ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty to charges of: assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over the age of 60; assault and battery causing injury on a person over the age of 60; two counts of assault and battery on a person over the age of 60; extortion; two counts of larceny over $250 from a person over the age of 60; witness intimidation; and two counts of violating a restraining order.

Walker's next court date is April 4.

“This victim in this case took the defendant in as an act of kindness and in return the defendant allegedly physically abused, threatened and financially exploited him,” Ryan said.“Our office and the Middlesex County police departments are deeply committed to protecting our seniors. We urge anyone who believes they are being abused, or anyone who suspects a senior they know to be a victim of abuse, to not hesitate to contact law enforcement officials or our office.”

Prosecutors allege that in September of 2016,Walker, who had known the 66-year-old male victim for approximately 10 years, informed the victim he was homeless The victim agreed to allow Walker to live in his Billerica home.

While living there Wallker allegedly became violent toward the victim and demanded that the victim give him money. Walker allegedly threatened the victim by telling him that if the victim did not give him money, he would assault him and falsely accuse him of a crime.

The victim, believing those threats, allegedly permitted Walker to take money from the his bank and I.R.A. accounts. On Sept. 23, 2016, the victim allegedly withdrew $1,500 from his I.R.A. account for Walker. Then on Oct. 7, 2016, the victim told police he was forced to withdraw $7,000 from his bank account for Walker,Ryan said.

Billerica Police conducted a well-being check on the victim on Oct. 14, 2006 after receiving reports the victim was being abused. When authorities arrived Walker initially allegedly tried to keep police from entering the home. When police spoke to the victim, Walker allegedly fled the home before being arrested 10 days later.

The victim applied for and was granted a restraining order prohibiting all forms of contact by the defendant.