A Fresno man has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison for a multimillion-dollar caregiver fraud scheme targeting a Malibu physician. Anthony David Flores, also known as “Anton David,” received a 188-month prison sentence on charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
Flores defrauded the victim, a mentally ill physician and investor with a net worth of over $60 million, out of more than $2.7 million before the victim's death. Posthumously, Flores also tried exploiting the physician's estate out of an additional sum exceeding $20 million. United States Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Flores' actions, stating, "This defendant heartlessly lined his own pockets while his victim mentally and physically declined, and ultimately died," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. The court also ordered Flores to pay $1 million in restitution.
Flores, 47, alongside his co-defendant and former girlfriend Anna Rene Moore, ensnared the physician through false promises and assured companionship. The pair moved into the victim's Malibu beachfront home under the guise of being caregivers. In 2017, following a mental breakdown that led to the victim's arrest and detention, Flores obtained powers of attorney to control the victim's finances fraudulently. Contrary to his representation that these powers were to be used solely to post bail, Flores maintained control and channeled the victim’s funds to his accounts.
Along with Moore, Flores kept the victim isolated from his family and friends and reportedly provided him with drugs. After the victim's death in May 2018, Flores, and Moore continued to withdraw large amounts of money and obstructed the family from understanding the full extent of the financial damage. As Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher from IRS Criminal Investigation noted, "Protecting vulnerable people from scammers will always be one of CI’s top priorities," in light of Flores’ exploitation.
Moore, 40, arrested in January 2023, pleaded guilty to seven felonies including conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 28. The investigation of this case was a collaborative effort between the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Andrew M. Roach prosecuting and Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dochterman handling asset forfeiture.
