FLAGLER COUNTY — Jason Valiant, 45, was arrested on Thursday by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on multiple charges, including the exploitation of an elderly couple. Valiant had an active felony warrant from Volusia County, where the alleged crimes took place.
According to officials, when the elderly couple fell ill and were hospitalized, Valiant fraudulently listed himself as their healthcare surrogate and power of attorney. He then signed a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order for one of the victims, who was removed from life support the following day.
Following the death of the victim, Valiant is accused of draining funds from their bank accounts, taking control of their home, two other properties, and their car. In addition to stealing thousands of dollars, Valiant allegedly used the victim’s credit cards to pay for personal expenses such as attorney fees, a teeth whitening procedure, auto detailing, dining, and gas.
The properties Valiant acquired after the victim’s death are valued at $1.6 million, including two oceanfront Flagler Beach parcels. Valiant and realtor Constance Kellner were allegedly planning to develop these properties into a large condominium complex or hotel. Instead, Valiant reportedly made fake, low offers to sell the properties, even submitting an offer from his own company.
Valiant faces multiple serious charges, including organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, grand theft of more than $100,000, grand theft of a vehicle, criminal use of personal identification, and illegal use of credit cards. He is currently held at the Flagler County Jail on a $375,000 bond.
Kellner was also arrested and charged with two counts of being an accessory after the fact. Investigators revealed she had full knowledge of Valiant’s fraudulent activities and assisted him in creating fake documents.
This investigation is ongoing, and more updates will follow.
