Miranda Warning System: WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Eric Borghetti, 51 of Chelmsford, was arraigned yesterday in Middlesex Superior Court on five counts of embezzlement by a fiduciary for allegedly embezzling $328,500 from a family member. The investigation revealed that, in September of 2019, Mr. Borghetti lived with the victim at her home in Chelmsford. On September 13, 2019, a fire destroyed the house and injured the victim. Shortly after the fire, the victim executed a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) and appointed Mr. Borghetti to act as her fiduciary and in her best interests. The language of the DPOA did not authorize Mr. Borghetti to receive compensation or gifts in connection with his duties under the DPOA. On September 25, 2019, the day after the defendant was appointed as the victim’s fiduciary, he added himself as an authorized signer to the victim’s bank account. A few days later, the victim’s insurance company paid her $175,750 which was deposited into her account. Between the dates of October 1, 2019, and March 20, 2019, through a series of transfers, check deposits and withdrawals the defendant began to embezzle large amounts of the victim’s money from four different bank accounts. On one occasion he allegedly withdrew $84,000, which he transferred into separate accounts held by his wife for their personal use. In total, the defendant embezzled $328,500 of the victim’s money before the victim realized and reported it. “This case illustrates one of the most common forms of elder abuse, the financial exploitation by a trusted family member,” said District Attorney Ryan. “While these violations of trust may not initially be suspected among family members, this case shows the importance of acting quickly if you are concerned. Here, this defendant seized an opportunity following a large insurance settlement and was able to embezzle a huge amount of money in a matter of a few months.” At his arraignment yesterday Borghetti was released on personal recognizance with conditions that he not travel outside New England, not apply for any new passports and surrender any existing passports. The next date in this case is April 24, 2025. This case is being investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Graham Van Epps. The Victim Witness Advocate is Leia Kaplan.