Caretaker Faces Multiple Charges Involving Thefts from Elderly Women
Photo: Breonna C. Richard
PLEASANTON — A caretaker with a criminal record faces multiple charges involving thefts from elderly women. Breonna C. Richard, 29 of Pleasanton, has prior convictions and she has been arrested 23 times since 2013.
Richard is suspected of stealing wallets from at least four elderly women and using their stolen credit cards. She allegedly engaged the women in conversation inside stores and stole their wallets from their handbags.
Reported thefts spanning five months were investigated, before Richard was identified as a suspect. Pleasanton detectives determined at least $5,000 in fraudulent credit card purchases were made involving victims in Alameda County.
Detectives believe Richard deliberately targeted the elderly, because all the victims were 60 or older. In addition, investigators uncovered evidence of fraud that may help solve cases in other jurisdictions.
In 2014 and 2016, Richard was sentenced to jail and probation for theft convictions. She also has numerous prior arrests for assault, battery, burglary, forgery, illegal firearm possession, DUI and hit-and-run.
Details involving the latest charges filed against Richard were released April 26 by the Pleasanton Police Department. Richard was arrested April 8 and booked at Santa Rita Jail. However, she is presently no longer in custody.
In two cases involving elderly women victims, Richard faces a dozen felony charges. These include grand theft, identity theft, and theft from an elder or dependent adult.
The investigation of Richard remains open. Anyone with information can call Pleasanton police at 925-931-5100.
