Carlito Cortez, of Richboro, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced Wednesday
A former part-time police officer in Bucks County has been charged with multiple offenses following an investigation into allegations that he deceived an elderly woman into signing over control of her estate, valued at more than $500,000.
Carlito Cortez, 59, of Richboro, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced Wednesday afternoon. He is facing charges that include criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, securing execution of documents by deception, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, false swearing, perjury, and official oppression.
These charges follow a recommendation by the Bucks County 21st Investigating Grand Jury, which was approved by President Judge Raymond F. McHugh.
According to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Cortez previously worked part-time for both the Langhorne Borough Police Department and the Yardley Borough Police Department. He resigned from his position with Langhorne in the fall of 2024.
Authorities allege that Cortez began a personal relationship with a 76-year-old Langhorne resident after being assigned to investigate a 2020 theft from her home. Although the investigation into the missing items — two rings valued at $25,000 — did not result in any charges, Cortez maintained contact with the woman. Over the next several years, he reportedly spent extended periods at her residence and eventually moved in for several weeks in 2023.
Investigators allege Cortez falsely presented documents to the woman, claiming they granted him medical power of attorney. However, the documents were instead a last will and testament naming him as the primary beneficiary of her estate. The woman told investigators she had not intended to leave her estate to Cortez and only realized the nature of the documents after signing them.
The investigation also found that Cortez arranged for another woman, with whom he was allegedly in a relationship, to serve as the victim’s in-home caretaker. The woman was reportedly not a licensed or insured caregiver and was paid approximately $2,900 over a four-month period.
During a search of Cortez's home in October 2024, detectives discovered two older wills belonging to the victim. The whereabouts of the more recent document remain unknown, and Cortez allegedly gave conflicting statements about its status during Grand Jury proceedings.
Cortez was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Baranoski, who set bail at $150,000 unsecured. The court also ordered that Cortez have no contact with the victim.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian and was investigated by Bucks County Detective Timothy Johnson, with assistance from the Grand Jury.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
