Authorities have charged a Columbia man with two felony offenses after alleging he defrauded an elderly woman out of $15,000 through a cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Charles Burri, 29, was formally charged Thursday in Boone County with financial exploitation of an elderly person and felony stealing involving more than $750. Court records show a warrant has been requested for his arrest. Burri is not currently listed in the Boone County Jail roster, and investigators note he is believed to be avoiding contact with law enforcement.
According to a probable cause statement, police were contacted on Nov. 20 by a 71-year-old woman who reported investing $15,000 with a company called Burri Asset Management on July 1. The victim said Burri promised returns from multiple cryptocurrency investments.
When the woman later requested the return of her money, Burri allegedly assured her it would be repaid but then ceased communication entirely. Investigators later subpoenaed Burri’s bank records, which reportedly revealed a $10,000 deposit made on July 2.
Authorities state Burri is also suspected of involvement in additional theft-by-deception cases. The investigation remains ongoing.
