Arizona woman arrested in elderly fraud case

Arizona woman arrested in elderly fraud case




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Posted: 08/10/2012



By: Deborah Stocks

CAMP VERDE, AZ - A Camp Verde woman has been arrested for allegedly defrauding an elderly woman of more than $100,000.



According to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, the 90-year-old victim's granddaughter discovered the theft after reviewing her grandmother's bank records.



Authorities say the victim requires 24 hour care and was under the caretaking services of C and R Home Care owned by 37-year-old Rosemary Flores of Camp Verde.



The victim, who lives in Cottonwood, was charged $2,200 each week for 24-hor service involving several caretakers.



Authorities say Flores would offer to fill out the victim's personal check and have her sign the blank check.



Flores would then alter the check to increase the amount before getting the cash equivalent from the bank.



Checks were altered in varying amounts between $3,200 and $12,300.



Before contacting the sheriff's office, the victim's granddaughter had confronted Flores about the excessive cash withdrawals but Flores told her not to worry as the cash outs were necessary for extraordinary expenses.



After an investigation by a patrol deputy, the case was handed over to a detective from the Criminal Investigations Bureau.



Authorities say it was also discovered that Flores had convinced the victim to "put all (her) eggs into one basket" by cashing out her annuities. When she did that she suffered a $32,000 loss due to the early cancellation.



In addition, it is estimated the victim will suffer excessive and unplanned income tax penalties in excess of $40,000.



Flores was interviewed by detectives on Thursday and admitted to the fraud. She claimed she used the money to pay her medical bills.



She was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including 13 counts of fraudulent schemes, 14 counts of offering a forged document and theft.



Bond has not been set.



Authorities say this case is a reminder for family members to be directly involved in the financial aspects of any outside care service for their loved ones.



http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northern_az/other/arizona-woman-arrested-in-elderly-fraud-case