Caregiver Arrested for Elder Abuse

Santa Barbara- January 12th, 2010

A caregiver hired to look after an 88-year old Goleta woman is now in County Jail suspected of stealing thousands of dollars from her client.

On Monday, December 28, 2009 the victim’s accountant notified the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department that 38-year old Christina Dee Bailon (DOB 1/22/71) of Lompoc may have been stealing from the elderly victim.

During the initial investigation Sheriff’s Detectives gathered enough evidence to suggest a crime was committed which allowed them to have Bailon taken into custody on a probation violation.

Further investigation revealed that Bailon had stolen unused checks from the victim’s accounts at two separate banks. During a two month period that she worked, Bailon is believed to have written and cashed more than one dozen checks for nearly $5,000 from one bank account and more than $5,500 from the other bank account. In all, Bailon is suspected of stealing $10,580.

Today Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Bailon, who is still in custody, for Commercial Burglary, Forgery, and Financial Elder Abuse. Her bail is set at $250,000.

Sheriff’s Detectives are looking into whether Bailon may have defrauded other victims. Anyone with information is urged to call Sheriff’s Detectives at (805) 681-4150 or the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at (805) 681-4171.

When looking to hire a caregiver, it is recommended that the potential employer conduct a background check and ask for references which should be thoroughly verified.

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org