In Grass Valley, California, two caretakers have been arrested on charges of financial elder abuse, conspiracy to commit crime, and forgery, following allegations of misconduct against a disabled senior couple. Kaylah Okuma, 29, from Grass Valley, and Wende Hertling, 44, from Pilot Hill, were taken into custody on February 2, 2024, in the 15,000 block of Tippy Way in the Alta Sierra neighborhood, where they were employed to provide 24-hour care to the wheelchair-bound victims.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) initiated an investigation into the pair after receiving an anonymous tip on February 1, alleging elder abuse at the residence. Deputies quickly responded, conducting an initial assessment that indicated potential criminal activity. Further investigation by the NCSO and its Special Investigations Unit on the following day confirmed the suspicions, revealing that Okuma and Hertling had collectively stolen over $35,000 from the elderly couple over the last four months.
Lieutenant Russell Greene of the NCSO commented on the severity of the situation, highlighting the betrayal of trust involved. The elderly couple depended on their caretakers for daily assistance and comfort but were met with exploitation and theft instead.
Following their arrest, both Okuma and Hertling were booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. The investigation into this case is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information on suspected elder abuse to contact the Regional Dispatch Center or dial 911 in emergencies.
Two Caretakers Arrested for Suspected Financial Abuse of Elderly Couple in Grass Valley was last modified: February 15th, 2024 by admin
