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An individual posing as a hairstylist has been given a sentence of almost 16 years in prison after deceiving a mentally-ill yet affluent eye surgeon from Malibu, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars.

Fraudster Hairstylist Admits Exploiting Malibu Surgeon

Anthony David Flores, also known as Anton David, admitted guilt last year to nine serious charges, involving wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, as well as conspiracy.

These charges were related to his involvement in a scheme to exploit Dr. Mark Sawusch by befriending him and coercing him into assuming control of his finances.

He and his former partner, yoga instructor Anna Rene Moore, 40, took advantage of the doctor's vulnerability by keeping him drugged while they depleted his finances and resided in his luxurious waterfront Malibu mansion.

Furthermore, US District Judge Percy Anderson recently ruled that Flores, 47, must also pay $1 million in restitution, in addition to serving a jail sentence, Daily Mail reported.

He mentioned the Fresno hairstylist's complete disregard for human suffering as well as the minimal value he placed on human life in his decision.

Flores and Moore Exploit Mark Sawusch's Illness, Gain Control of Finances

At an ice cream shop near Venice Beach in June 2017, Flores and Moore met rich ophthalmologist Sawusch. After multiple hospitalizations, Sawusch was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and could no longer care for himself.

Federal authorities said Flores and Moore moved into Sawusch's coastal Malibu home without paying rent after meeting him. They cared for him and became great friends.

In the guilty deal, Flores admitted to convincing Sawusch to give him power of attorney during a severe mental crisis, which led to the doctor's September 2017 arrest. Flores advised Sawusch during taped jail talks that his power of attorney would be limited and used just for his matters while in custody.

Power of attorney lasted after Sawusch's release from jail. It allowed Flores to open bank accounts in Sawusch's name and control his finances. According to police, Sawusch's mental state deteriorated when Flores and Moore gave him LSD before his death.

According to the LA Times, Flores took advantage of Sawusch's impairment by redirecting his brokerage account's two-factor verification to his phone. Flores then initiated two $1 million wire payments into Flores' and Moore's bank accounts.