Two arrested in San Luis Obispo for financial elder abuse
Suspects stole thousands from 60-year-old man
– Two San Luis Obispo residents were arrested on Feb. 8 for felony elder abuse and related charges after an investigation into unauthorized financial transactions involving a 60-year-old man.
The victim reported the alleged fraud to the San Luis Obispo Police Department on Jan. 8, stating that his neighbor and caregiver, Jessica Hamilton, 37, had used his debit card without permission for cash advances and purchases. The victim, who sustained a brain injury several years ago and is unable to drive, had initially given Hamilton the card to pick up and pay for medication at his pharmacy. After noticing unauthorized transactions, he canceled the debit card before reporting the incident.
Several days later, Hamilton reportedly brought the victim to the police department and attempted to have him recant his statement. Before visiting the station, she took the victim to his bank and tried to obtain a replacement debit card, but was unsuccessful.
The investigation revealed that Hamilton and her boyfriend, Rafael Gonzales, 37, had used the victim’s debit card multiple times between October and January at businesses including Skyzone and Chumash Casino, as well as for ATM withdrawals totaling $2,717. Additional cash advance attempts totaling $2,462 were declined due to the victim’s bank limiting daily withdrawals to $500.
Hamilton was arrested and charged with felony elder abuse, felony embezzlement, felony conspiracy, and felony dissuading a witness. Gonzales was arrested on charges of felony elder abuse, felony embezzlement, and felony conspiracy.
Both suspects are out on bail, and arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 24.
