Marin elder fraud suspects plead not guilty

Two defendants pleaded not guilty to charges they targeted a Greenbrae resident in a financial scheme.

Ronnie Curtis Baker, 58, of Fairfield and Kimberly Marie Mallory, 52, of Napa entered their pleas on Thursday in Marin County Superior Court.

The Marin County District Attorney’s Office filed a complaint last month alleging the defendants defrauded an 80-year-old man of about $250,000 and laundered around $230,000. Baker falsely told the victim that he was a licensed contractor and Mallory, a public notary, aided Baker in his offenses, authorities alleged.

Baker is charged with offenses such as elder theft, grand theft by false pretenses, diversion of construction funds and money laundering. Mallory is also charged with offenses such as elder theft, mortgage fraud, forgery and money laundering.

Mallory’s attorney, Damone Keith Hale, and Baker’s public defender, Peter Arian, declined to comment on Monday.

The next court date is scheduled for Sept. 26.