California Man Sentenced for Scam Targeting Elderly Pelham, New Hampshire Resident

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that Yalei Li, age 39, of Rosemead, California, has been sentenced in Hillsborough County Superior Court South following his conviction on May 27, 2026 by a Hillsborough County Superior Court jury of one count of attempted theft by deception.

Li was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in the New Hampshire State Prison. The Court also ordered that he meaningfully participate in and complete any programs as directed by correctional authorities, and that he be of good behavior and comply with all terms of his sentence.

"This sentence reflects the serious nature of financial crimes that target older adults," said Attorney General Formella. "The New Hampshire Department of Justice will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who seek to exploit vulnerable residents."

The evidence at trial established that Li traveled to the victim's home on April 8, 2025, to collect $50,000 in cash after the victim was falsely led to believe that her bank accounts had been compromised as part of a tech support scam targeting a 92-year-old Pelham resident.

This case was investigated by the Pelham Police Department. Assistant Attorneys General Nancy DeAngelis and Amanda Purcell prosecuted the case, assisted by paralegal Rachelle Simon and Victim Witness Advocate Rose Lamerand.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department or the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Adult and Aging Services at nheasy.nh.gov. Please also visit our website for information about reporting and protecting yourself from scams at: doj.nh.gov/citizens/elder-abuse-and-financial-exploitation-unit.