Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult Abuse 02/18/09
The Phoenix Police have identified a growing and frightening trend in the exploitation of our vulnerable adultcitizens. There have been recent investigations and arrests involving financial exploitation and the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Case #1:
Date:June, 2008 Location: area of 5800 E. Greenway Rd. Victim:White, Female, 80 years of age Suspect: Moore, Peggy, White Female, 67 years of age
In June, 2008 Phoenix Police received information from the Arizona Adult Protective Service about the possible financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The investigation revealed that in late 2006 the victim’s husband passed away. At that time the suspect befriended the victim who was afraid to leave her home and was in need of assistance with her day to day business.
The suspect obtained a financial power of attorney from the victim and, between January, 2007 and December, 2007, the suspect put her name on the victim’s bank accounts and removed large sums of cash. The suspect also “Quick Claimed” the victim’s home and used it for her own personal financial gain.
The suspect was subsequently booked into on numerous felony charges.
Case #2:
Date: December, 2008 Location: area of 4100 W. Gardenia Dr. Victim: White, Female, 91 years of age Suspect: Lindahl, Janice, White, Female, 57 years of age
In December, 2008 Phoenix Police received notification from the Arizona Adult Protective Services of the possible financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The investigation revealed that the victim lived at home and was receiving periodic in home care/visits from a local adult care facility.
Detectives learned that the suspect had befriended the victim and assisted her with her day to day needs. The suspect obtained financial power of attorney from the victim and began withdrawing large sums of cash from the victim’s bank accounts, and “Quick Claimed” the victim’s home, all for her own personal financial gain.
Personnel from the care facility had been allowed access to monitor the victim’s financial accounts and noted that large sums of cash were being withdrawn. Representatives from the facility went to the home to speak with and care for the victim but they were denied access to the victim by the suspect.
The suspect was subsequently booked into jail on numerous felony charges.
Case #3:
Date: 7 July, 2008 Location: Local area hospital Victim: Mental patient, White, Female, 51 years of age, Ward of the state Suspect: Chaney-Weiss, Arlana, White, Female, 57 years of age
In February, 2009 Phoenix Police received notification of a vulnerable adult abuse at a local hospital. The investigation revealed that in July, 2008 the suspect was in the process of feeding the victim via a nasogastric tube (feeding via the nose and throat to the stomach) when the victim began to bleed and choke from the procedure.
Witnesses reported the suspect appeared angry and was yelling at the victim during the feeding and, when cautioned about the bleeding from witnesses, the suspect ordered the witnesses to not interfere. Witnesses explained the normal procedure for feeding this particular patient was to sedate her because the feeding process agitated the victim. Witnesses further reported that the suspect did not sedate the victim and she did not lubricate the feeding tube prior to the procedure.
The suspect has been booked into jail on felony charges.
Arrest of suspect for Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder 02/18/09
Phoenix Police Department investigators recently received information that Mr. Elms wanted to hire someone to kill the listed female victim. Investigators met with Mr. Elms after he arrived in Phoenix from California just after midnight on February 15, 2009.
Mr. Elms was arrested about 30 minutes later after probable cause was developed to arrest him for the listed charges. Investigators state that Mr. Elms contracted to have the woman killed and the listed adult male victim seriously injured. Mr. Elms was arrested without incident by officers from the Phoenix Police Department’s Special Assignments Unit.
Suspect: Elms, David; A/M; DOB 4/09/71; booked into Maricopa County Jail for one count of conspiracy to commit murder; one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault; one count of conspiracy to possess narcotic drugs for sale; one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct involving weapons; one count of possession of drug paraphernalia
Victim 1: 32 year old female Victim 2: 62 year old male
Kidnapping 6000 South Central Avenue 02/16/09
Date: 02/14/09 approximately 2:25 p.m.
Location: 6000 S. Central
Victim: Adult Hispanic Male
Suspects: 4 Hispanic Males
Described as being armed
Suspect Vehicles: 1. Black, mid-1990’s, Lincoln Mercury, 2-door
Chrome trim around dark tinted windows
Arizona License Plate #ACK2531 **THIS IS A FICTICIOUS LICENSE PLATE**
2. “Newer” blue Ford Expedition
3. Green Chrysler 300
On February 14, 2009, at approximately 2:25 p.m., an adult Hispanic male was kidnapped at gunpoint while at a clothing store near 6000 S. Central. There were four suspects described as being armed.
There are three suspect vehicles listed. A photograph of suspect vehicle #1 is attached. It is described as a Black, mid-1990’s Lincoln Mercury 2-door with chrome trim around dark tinted windows. This vehicle had Arizona License Plate #ACK2531. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A FICTITIOUS LICENSE PLATE.
$5,000 Reward Offered for Information Regarding Robbery Suspect 02/12/09
Suspect at 701 East Bell Road
Suspect at 5555 North 7th Street
Suspect at 5555 North 7th Street
The public is being asked to assist Phoenix police with any information leading to the arrest of a suspect who is believed to have committed two robberies at two different locations. Surveillance cameras captured several photos (pictured here) of a robbery suspect on February 10, 2009 at the Chase Bank located at 701 E. Bell Road in Phoenix. On Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m., a suspect entered the Desert Schools Federal Credit Union located at 5555 N. 7th Street, placing two bank bags on the counter and handed the teller an envelope containing an electronic device and a note demanding money. The suspect was given an unspecified amount of U.S. currency and then left the bank. The device was left inside the bank as the suspect fled in a white Pontiac Grand Am that was driven by a second unknown suspect. The Phoenix Police Department Bomb Squad responded and retrieved the device, rendering it safe. If you have information, please call Phoenix police. Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
If you have any information, please call SILENT WITNESS at 480-W-I-T-N-E-S-S
Washington High School Student Planted Explosive Device 02/13/09
UPDATE
A 19 year-old high school senior at Washington High School was responsible for placing a simulated explosive device on a support beam in a breezeway within the school campus. The school administrator and members of the Phoenix Police Department received information from the community that brought a quick conclusion to the investigation. The student, Oscan Zevada-Franco, has been transported to the MCSO jail where he has been booked for two criminal charges.
Charges:
ARS Code 13-3110.A “Misconduct involving simulated explosive devices”
ARS Code 13-2911.A1 “Interference with or disruption of an educational institution”
Bomb Threat Evacuates Washington High School 02/12/09
An alert student at Washington High School saw what she believed to be a suspicious device on a support beam in a school breezeway located between two of the buildings in the middle of the campus. She reported it to school officials and the staff quickly began evacuation procedures. Phoenix Police were called to the scene, arriving at approximately 8:45 a.m. and saw a device located about five feet up the beam. It was covered with a putty-like material; a clock-type instrument was also attached.
The Phoenix Police Bomb Squad and Phoenix Fire Department were alerted and used water cannons to destroy the device. After closer examination of the device debris, technicians determined that the device was a hoax. While students waited in a safe area adjacent to the campus, bomb dogs, along with fire and police personnel combed the rest of the campus and gave the “all clear.” Students were allowed to return to class.
Investigators have confirmed that no reports of written or verbal threats were received by anyone at the school, including staff or students. The incident remains under investigation.
Sexual Conduct with a Minor 02/12/09
On 02-09-09 Phoenix Police detectives learned that officials from Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, received information that a 17 year old female student had engaged in sexual intercourse with a Cactus Shadows high school coach (temporary teacher) while at the coach’s home in the City of Phoenix.
Today, detectives interviewed several witnesses at Cactus Shadows High School. The detectives were able to obtain and execute a search warrant at the phoenix residence, and several items of evidence were obtained by police.
There has been no arrest at this time and this investigation is on going.
Victim: White female, 17 years old
Suspect: White male, 26 years old
West Valley School Bus Crash Injures 26- 01/28/09
A school bus transporting 37 elementary school students home from classes at Western Valley Elementary School on Wednesday afternoon crashed, leaving a scene filled with mangled metal on 67th Avenue stretching from Roosevelt north to McDowell. A total of 13 vehicles were involved with 26 victims transported to local hospitals. Miraculously, no one had life-threatening injuries.
Phoenix police officers responded and, after interviewing witnesses, determined that the 46 year-old driver of the school bus, Alfonso Saavedra, struck a car just north of Roosevelt on 67th Avenue. He lost control of the bus, striking at least one more vehicle as the bus continued to travel north, causing a chain reaction among other vehicles on the roadway. The bus finally came to rest just south of the intersection of 67th Avenue and McDowell Road.
Mr. Saavedra advised police investigators that he passed out after impact with the first vehicle involved in the collision. Arizona DPS and Phoenix police commercial vehicle inspectors examined the bus and found no mechanical issues to be evident. Mr. Saavedra remained at the scene to answer questions from investigators and submitted to a blood test that is currently under analysis. A follow up on Thursday, January 29, 2009 regarding the status of the victims determined that all but two had been released from hospitals.
Phoenix Police Respond To Body In Canal- 01/26/09
On January 23, 2009, just before 8 a.m., a citizen was riding his bike to work along the canal near 63rd Avenue and Durango Street in Phoenix, when he saw what appeared to be a deceased adult male submerged underwater and stuck in debris in the irrigation ditch. The Phoenix Police Department’s Dive Team and Homicide Unit responded and remove the body of a Hispanic male, approximately 30-40 years old, from the canal. According to investigators, there were not any visible signs of trauma; the cause of death is unknown.
Police Equipment Injury/Collision - 01/14/09
On January 9th, 2009, shortly after 11:00 p.m., a 2002 fully-marked Phoenix Police sedan, driven by a one year veteran of the department was traveling southbound on the three-lane off-ramp of the I-10. The vehicle came to Washington and proceeded into the intersection on a green signal light. At that time, a 1991 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by a 22-year-old man traveling westbound on Washington, failed to stop for the red signal light and collided with the patrol car.
The officer was transported to a local hospital and her injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The driver of the pickup did not have any apparent injuries.
This collision did not involve any Light Rail vehicles; however, following the collision, the pickup truck came to rest on the Light Rail tracks. As part of the pre-determined plan for such incidents, the train was re-routed around the scene so the investigation can be conducted. There was limited disruption of service and the truck should be removed from the tracks soon. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this collision.
The execution of a search warrant on Wednesday, January 7, 2009, led to an execution of a whole different kind.
Phoenix Police detectives assigned to the Home Invasion and Kidnapping Task Force served a search warrant at Brothers Tires, 1010 E. Broadway Road, reference an ongoing investigation of armed robbery and home invasion suspects. During their search of the business, they discovered evidence that also led them to believe the business was participating in illegal gamecock fighting.
Dozens of fighting roosters were found in a fenced in and caged area on the property. Pit Bull guard dogs secured the entry that was flanked by used tires piled high and stacked in rows around the pen. The Arizona Humane Society assisted detectives with removal and euthanization of the roosters, many that were manicured and ready for cock fights. Several syringes and animal vitamin products commonly injected into the birds were also found.
Stacie Dabolt with the Arizona Humane Society stated, "This unfolded on top of what they were already out here for. There are some beautiful birds back there … it makes it hard to do our jobs because (the birds) have to be humanely put down.”
Investigators on the case received information that the owner and employees of the business were involved in organized criminal activity including armed robberies and home invasions as well as border related crimes including kidnappings around the valley. Weapons, ballistic vests, cash and ammunition were also discovered on the property. Six people were found in the business during the search warrant execution; all are believed to be in the country illegally. The owner of the business, Manuel Torres, 39, was arrested while in court Wednesday on other charges.
Dabolt and her colleagues carefully and compassionately continued their work. “It's extremely sad,” said Dabolt. “A couple of the roosters wouldn"t let us get near them. They’re cackling. It’s unfortunate this will be their demise.”
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Attempted Robbery/ Shooting 16456 N. 32nd Street/ Jewelry Store- 01/06/09
Victim:
Asian Male, 61 years old (sustained minor injury from being pepper sprayed in the face)
Suspects: #1 Gregory Mills W/M 8-15-84
--shot by victim during robbery, minor injury
--released from hospital/ will be booked into jail tonight
#2 Jason Buckingham W/M 2-17-81
--shot by victim during robbery, minor injury
--currently being treated at hospital/ expected to be released and booked into jail tomorrow
Charges for Both Suspects:
Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Attempted Robbery
On January 5, 2009 at approximately 1:50 P.M, two suspects initially went to the jewelry store located at 16456 N. 32nd Street and attempted to sell a watch. The owner/ victim told the suspects he could not purchase the watch without the other ‘links,’ and both suspects left the store.
Approximately ten minutes later, the suspects returned and pepper sprayed the victim in the face. One of the suspects then removed a metal baton and began to smash the glass to the jewelry display cabinet. Fearing for his life, the victim removed a handgun from his pocket and fired several rounds at the suspects, striking them each one time. The victim then held the suspects at gunpoint until officers arrived.
Both suspects were transported to local hospitals where they were treated for their non-life threatening injuries.
According to investigators, the victim acted in self-defense and therefore is not currently being charged with a crime. However, the case will be reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office for a final determination regarding charges.
Shannon’s Law Operation Results - 1/2/2009
This New Year’s Eve, the Phoenix Police Department received the second lowest number of “shots fired calls” between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., in ten years. It was the second lowest number since the first operation was conducted in 2003.
This year there were 46 more calls during that time, which was a 13% increase over the previous year. However, the total was still down 23.4% from two years ago. Last year, the number of calls was down 53% from the year before the first operation was conducted. This year, even with the slight increase in calls, the total number received between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. was still down 47% from the year before the operations began.
Five people were arrested this year for discharging a firearm in the city of Phoenix. Each of those individuals now faces the possibility of prison, as well as a fine. In addition, the Phoenix Police Department has NOT received any reports of anyone being injured from random gunfire in the city of Phoenix this New Year’s Eve
