BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. — District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced charges Tuesday against former police officer Carlito Cortez, 59, who is accused of deceiving an elderly Langhorne resident into signing her will in an attempt to claim control of her $500,000+ estate.
Cortez, who previously served as a part-time officer for both the Langhorne Borough Police Department and the Yardley Borough Police Department, surrendered to authorities on May 13, 2025, after a Bucks County Detectives investigation and a 21st Investigating Grand Jury recommendation.
According to the grand jury presentment approved by President Judge Raymond F. McHugh, Cortez faces a range of charges, including:
Criminal attempt to commit theft by deception
Securing execution of documents by deception
Theft by deception
Receiving stolen property
False swearing
Perjury
Official oppression
He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Daniel Baranoski, who set unsecured bail at $150,000 and ordered Cortez to have no contact with the victim.
Investigators say Cortez manipulated the elderly victim into signing over her last will and testament to benefit him personally. The alleged conduct represents a serious breach of trust, given his role as a sworn officer.
Cortez had worked part-time for Yardley Borough Police from 2013 to 2023, and also served with Langhorne Borough Police for eight years before resigning last fall.
DA Schorn emphasized the importance of protecting the elderly from financial exploitation, particularly when carried out by individuals in positions of authority.
The case remains under investigation.
