Alleged con man turns himself into police

Williamsport, Pa. — A man conned his 96-year-old neighbor out of thousands of dollars so he could gamble, police say.

Lorenza Petrella, 61, surrendered to Lycoming Regional Police Department on Thursday on felony charges of financial exploitation of an older adult and theft by deception charges.

Petrella is charged with intentionally deceiving his neighbor into providing him with several thousand dollars between August 2022 and July 2024.

Petrella allegedly went to the victim's home on several occasions and convinced the victim he needed money to pay bills, buy gifts for family members, and repair lawn equipment. Petrella failed to tell the victim he was actually using the money to gamble and play skills games. Petrella was arraigned at District Judge William Solomon's office before being released on $15,000 bail.

Docket sheet