Crime & Safety

Woman Accused in Elder Abuse Stunt Arrested

Murrieta police today arrested Dianne Escarsega, 45, of Sun City, in connection with the Jan. 24 burglary of a 97-year-old Murrieta woman.

A woman accused of posing as a health care provider to burglarize a 97-year-old woman has been arrested by Murrieta police.

Murrieta police detectives developed a lead Friday after distributing a flier Thursday with surveillance photos of the woman allegedly attempting to use the victim's credit card at an ATM in Sun City.

Investigators proceeded today to contact the woman, 45-year-old Dianne Escarsega of Sun City, according to Murrieta police Lt. Tony Conrad.

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She was arrested without incident, Conrad said, in a news release.

"It was confirmed the suspect female in the flier was the female arrested today," Conrad said.

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It is alleged that Escarsega and an 18- to 20-year old white male entered the Murieta home of the elderly victim on Jan. 24 after Escarsega posed as a health care provider from Kaiser medical. She told the victim she was there to do a home check, Conrad said.

"While inside the residence, conducting the mock house check, the suspect and an unknown male stole several credit cards, cash and a handgun," Conrad said. "They left the residence and fled the scene in a black Dodge Charger." 

Escarsega was booked at the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of residential burglary, elder abuse and theft of a firearm, Conrad said.

She was being held on $25,000 bail, according to jail records.

As of publication time, the weapon allegedly stolen during the burglary had not been recovered and the male accomplice was still being sought, Conrad said.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation or the identity of the male suspect should contact Detective Jeff Ullrich at 951-461-6312. Anonymous tips can be directed to "We Tip" at 1-800-78-CRIME. 


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