Live-in caretaker charged with financial elder abuse, fraud and forgery
By Susannah Rosenblatt
March 11, 2009
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/crime/la-me-ocstory11-2009mar11,0,4915322.story
The live-in caretaker of an 84-year-old Huntington Beach woman allegedly took out fraudulent loans in her name, bilking the older woman out of about $200,000 and putting the woman’s home in danger of foreclosure, authorities said Tuesday.
Cindi Dee Powell, 54, has been charged with financial elder abuse, grand theft, identity theft, vehicle theft, fraud and forgery. She remains in custody.
According to police, Powell moved in with Constance Wakefield about two years ago to help the woman, who uses a wheelchair, around the house and drive her to appointments. Wakefield hired Powell through a classified ad and was not aware that Powell was on probation in another elder abuse case.
Beginning in 2006, police said, Powell took out fraudulent loans on Wakefield’s home and opened bank accounts in her name, using the money to buy and sell cars — including Wakefield’s.
Wakefield is now under water on her mortgage and could face foreclosure, police say. Wakefield’s daughter lives in South Africa, and she may move there, police said.
America’s Criminal Defense Group, led by Senior Criminal Defense Attorney, Anthony Partipilo, with over 35 years of experience, believes Cindi Dee Powell may have been receiving permission from the 84 year old Constance Wakefield to have access to these rights. Furthermore, Mr. Partipilo finds it vital to Powell’s defense that she hires a seasoned criminal defense attorney who can take the proper steps to find truth in this situation, such as hiring a private investigator who can find out if Powell was granted permission to do the various activities that she is currently being charged for doing.
Anyone charged with abuse of the elderly, theft, or any other crime should contact Senior Case Manager, Todd Terry (non-attorney) at 818-225-2468 or visit www.americascriminaldefense.com to schedule a free consultation.
-Ryan Sacks, Senior Blogger
