Harry Gross: Blind woman's nephew forged his check to steal $20,000

DEAR HARRY: I have a very serious problem, and I need your help. I trust you completely. I am 91 and have been blind for many years. My clerical work is being handled by a young lady who was recommended by my CPA. She has full power of attorney over my checking account and she does a super job. Yesterday, she reconciled my checking account, and came to me with terrible news. My nephew, whom I help financially on an irregular basis, kited one of my checks. I had authorized a check for $1,000, and he kited it to $21,000. It was so well-done that my bank never caught it. If I go to the bank, I'm certain they will go after him and probably seek criminal action. If I go to him, he'll have all kinds of excuses together with a pitiful crying spell that will make me feel guilty. He's done this before when I tried to refuse to give him money. I don't want him to go to jail, but he has gone far enough. My helper has told me that I have given him more than $200,000 (not including the present extra $20,000). I receive my deceased husband's SS, and I have investments of about $1.5 million to last my lifetime. I can afford to take this loss. He is my only living relative. Harry, please answer as if you were my brother.