Wanted: Elder Abuser

In a city where older people frequently come to retire and enjoy “the good life,” what they occasionally find is quite the opposite.

Sylvia Arlene Espinoza

As one declines in vitality, the area’s many non-profit and highly skilled professional elder care organizations become nothing less than a lifeline to the best possible quality of life.  But then there are those working within those organizations who are tempted to step over the line into criminality.

One such circumstance now has the city on high alert as the Santa Barbara Police Department has released information and photographs relating to a case of reported embezzlement and financial elder abuse.  Pursuant to an ongoing investigation, authorities are currently seeking information leading to the whereabouts of Sylvia Arlene Espinoza, 51.

According to Santa Barbara Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Riley Harwood, Espinoza is sought in connection with her professional activities involving the personal supervision of a 70-year-old who had been in her care and who suffers from cognitive and physical disabilities.

The investigation by law enforcement currently indicates that Espinoza embezzled more than $40,000 during the nearly three year course of her engagement as the victim’s caregiver.

Harwood identified Espinoza as “5 feet 3 inches tall and 180 pounds,” and urges any member of the public with knowledge of her whereabouts to contact SBPD Detective Kristin Shamordola at (805) 897-2328.

Read more:

Noozhawk: Santa Barbara Police Seek Woman Suspected of Financial Elder Abuse

Edhat: Catch A Thief 7/11/13