Florida man gets public defender in senior fraud case

A Florida man accused of bilking a retired couple in Perry County out of $250,000 has been granted a public defender to represent him as he faces charges that could send him to prison for life.

Patrick P. Wilson was extradited from Florida last month after Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster filed four felony charges against him: financial exploitation of the elderly, two counts of stealing by deceit and unlawful merchandising practices. Wilson is accused of convincing a retired Perryville couple who were both older than 70 that they had won a prize of $10 million. But he asked them to wire fees and interest before he would send the money.

Wilson is being held on a $100,000 bond.

In court on Tuesday, Perry County judge Michael Bullerdieck set a preliminary hearing date for Jan. 15. Assistant public defender Jennifer Slone also officially entered her appearance as Wilson's lawyer.