The man who allegedly charmed multiple South County seniors into giving him money for landscaping services he never completed is scheduled to enter a plea in court this Thursday.
Michael Oliveira, 43 of Gilroy, faces up to 14 years in jail for 13 counts of petty theft and eight counts of misdemeanor elder fraud.
“It’s serious business to steal from an elder for crying out loud,” said Janet Berry, the deputy district attorney prosecuting the case.
Oliveira was arrested July 21 in Gilroy, one month after the District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into the numerous reports from Gilroy and Morgan Hill residents about being scammed by a “charming” middle-aged man trolling for money under the guise of an independent landscaper.
Berry processed reports of eight victims from Gilroy, and 10 from Morgan Hill.
Oliveira was released from custody in July after posting a $25,000 bail. He is scheduled to enter a plea at 9 a.m. Oct. 4 at the South County Courthouse in Morgan Hill.
