Investigators: Man Befriended Elderly Woman, Stole Thousands From Her
BETHEL PARK (KDKA) -- From modeling in New York to being widowed and losing a son, 88-year-old Helen Knudsen says this tops it all.
"I trusted him implicitly," Knudsen said.
Knudsen met William Kail, 45, through a neighbor two years ago.
Last year, she hired him to do some repair work on her house and her late son's house located down the street. During that time, Knudsen got to know Kail's wife and their seven children and fell in love with his family.
"I felt like it was family. I was one of seven children," Knudsen said.
She says Kail offered to help keep track of her finances. She agreed.
One day, Knudsen says Kail told her he needed to borrow money. Knudsen lent him around $10,000 and Kail promised to pay her back, but he never did.
"I have been with PNC Bank forever. They know me and they saw huge amounts taken out daily," Knudsen said.
In February of this year, investigators determined that Kail made approximately 90 ATM withdrawals between April 2015 through, and including, January of this year.
"A big disappointment to him as a father. That he spends time in jail," Knudsen said.
Court documents say Kail withdrew $75,000 from her PNC Bank checking account, including $67,000 in PNC Bank checks and $145,000 in checks from a State Farm account.
KDKA's Amy Wadas asked Kail if he made these unauthorized transactions, and he said no.
"I had a collection of jewelry from work I did years ago. A beautiful huge collection," Knudsen said.
Knudsen says Kail took the jewelry and sold it at a pawn shop.
"I have to deal with it, but it's hard," Knudsen said.
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Before Knudsen found out she was being wronged, she says she was planning on giving Kail and his family money since she's getting older. She says it's unlikely she will get any of the money back.
Kail faces multiple charges. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail on $50,000 unsecured bail and was released.
