8:15 AM Thu, Mar 20, 2008 | Permalink
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Posted by: PE News
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Two suspects accused of financially exploiting a 79-year-old Riverside widower, allegedly using about $80,000 of his credit to purchase a sport utility vehicle, an engagement ring and furnishings, were in custody, authorities said.
Nina Costello, 34, and Larry Thompson, 35, both of Perris, were arrested on suspicion of theft by false pretenses and financial elder abuse in connection with a six-month scheme, according to Riverside police.
Costello befriended the man last fall and persuaded him she was destitute and involved in a religious mission of which he could be a part, said police spokesman Steve Frasher.
The target eventually began to spend more time with Costello and Thompson, who she introduced as her brother, Frasher said.
The suspects led the man to believe he would move in with them and out of his federally subsidized apartment, but told him they needed money to properly furnish their house in anticipation of his arrival, according to Frasher.
"Costello also convinced him that she needed him to purchase a car for her business as an interior decorator," Frasher said. "She used the victim’s credit to purchase approximately $80,000 worth of property, which included furnishings, a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and an engagement ring."
The matter came to the attention of Riverside County Department of Social Services workers, prompting an investigation by Riverside police, Frasher said.
A search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of the Tahoe and the engagement ring, which had been pawned and exchanged for cash, Frasher said.
Costello and Thompson were arrested without incident at their Perris home in the 1400-block of Arrow Creek Drive, according to Frasher.
Costello is being held in lieu of $70,000 bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, and Thompson is being held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on $25,000 bail, according to jail records.
—From news services
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