West Virginia Man Accused of Scamming NC Seniors Out of $70K While Posing as Worker
RALEIGH, N.C. — A 56-year-old man from West Virginia is accused of scamming elderly residents across North Carolina out of tens of thousands of dollars by posing as a Duke Energy employee and driveway repairman, according to arrest warrants and court officials.
Pattern of Deception
Authorities say Brian Taulton of Martinsburg, W.Va. defrauded multiple victims in Wake County and beyond between February 2024 and June 2025.
Investigators allege he performed substandard driveway paving and repair work or impersonated utility workers to trick seniors into handing over large sums of money.
Court records show he faces:
- Eight felony counts of exploiting a disabled/elderly person
- Ten felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense
- Four felony counts of attempting to obtain property by false pretense
He also faces additional charges for marijuana possession, fraud ID, and extradition/fugitive status.
Victims Lost Thousands in Driveway Scam
In one case from February 2024, a couple lost $16,800 for incomplete driveway work. In January 2025, a woman paid $9,300 and nearly lost another $7,000 before realizing the fraud. Just a week later, another woman was targeted for $13,000.
By late May, prosecutors say Taulton swindled a woman out of $9,100 and another out of $18,600, while attempting to collect thousands more.
In one instance, he allegedly posed as a Duke Energy employee to gain a victim’s trust, deceiving her out of $9,300.
Victims Speak Out
Katherine Pilkinton, one of the victims, said Taulton came to her home wearing a vest and claimed to be with the city.
“They come from other states and prey on elderly people. That’s what they do,” Pilkinton said, adding that she was charged nearly $20,000 for work that was either not completed or done poorly.
Facing Justice in Multiple States
Altogether, prosecutors say Taulton stole about $90,000 and attempted to steal an additional $38,600, defrauding victims of more than $110,000.
He was arrested in Wake County and is being held on a $198,000 bond. His next court date there is September 25 at 9 a.m.
Taulton also waived extradition and will voluntarily head to Virginia, where he faces similar charges.
Cases like this highlight how scams targeting seniors can quickly cross state lines, leaving families with devastating financial and emotional losses.
Do you think North Carolina should increase penalties for those convicted of scamming the elderly? Share your views with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
