Two Hudson Valley men plead guilty in elder abuse cases. Both abused and stole from local disabled veterans.

In Orange County Court, Perry Coniglio, 43, of Highland Falls plead guilty to endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

Conigilio was accused of holding a former U.S. Navy veteran, David McClellan, captive so he could steal his pension checks for drugs at the US Academy Hotel in Highland Falls.

Coniglio, who lived at the same hotel, admitted during his guilty plea, during a two year period he was the caregiver for McClellan, who suffered from dementia. Coniglio said he prepared all of his meals, provided him with clothing, cleaned him, and trimmed his beard and hair.

He also admitted that he drove him to the bank multiple times each month to withdraw money. He said he used the money to pay for the man’s rent.

Coniglio also confessed he used some of the money to pay for his own hotel room and other person expenses.

Coniglio also admitted he knew that time McClellan was suffering from dementia that required treatment. And that by not bringing the victim for treatment it was likely causing harm to McClellan’s mental and physical welfare.

The Orange County District Attorney says they will recommend the maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison when Coniglio is sentenced on Oct. 7.

In a separate case, 68-year-old Dennis Mahoney, of Walden plead guilty to grand larceny for defrauding an elderly disabled veteran out of $5,800 and a New Windsor hotel out of $2,375.52.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Mahoney worked for a veteran’s service organization when he first met the victim, but he later separated from the organization.

In 2015, he pretended he was still employed by the veteran’s service organization, promised the victim that the organization would secure the victim an apartment in the State of Florida for his special needs as a disabled veteran, and convinced the victim to give him $5,800 to pay for furniture for the apartment.

Later, Mahoney had the victim move to a New Windsor hotel, promising that the veteran’s service agency would pay for his room.

Mahoney faces 2 to 7 years in prison when sentence on Oct. 4.

“All abuse of the elderly, financial or otherwise, is unconscionable” said District Attorney David M Hoovler stated. “It is particularly reprehensible when veterans, who risked their lives in the service to our country, are taken advantage of or mistreated.” advantage of the elderly, and we will seek appropriate prison sentences.”

More From Hudson Valley Post