May 15, 2008 4:18 pm US/Pacific
Woman Accused Of Stealing Thousands From Seniors
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Sacramento Police say a woman stole more than $13,000 from her elderly neighbors. The elderly woman says she trusted the woman and told people she was like her own daughter. But police say that the woman was secretly stealing from her.
The victim says she still loves the woman police are calling a suspect and the suspect feels the same way. But police say "don't be fooled," this particular woman started off with good intentions, then allegedly capitalized on a crime of opportunity.
"I loved her like she was my own daughter," says Delores Navarro.
Seventy-nine-year-old Delores Navarro has 12 children, but ever since she met Betty Jo Patterson two years ago, she treated and trusted her like family.
"I still don't believe it," she says.
Sacramento Police had to show Navarro bank statements, they say prove Patterson played her like a card. She admits she's not savvy with her finances. That is why she entrusted Patterson with private information. Easy enough, Detective Mike Woods says, for Patterson to remember, but claims she couldn't.
"When we went to the bank she was with me, and I'd always have to run back and say, what did you say it was?" says Navarro.
Either way, Patterson insists police arrested the wrong person. Patterson is also accused of using the bank card of Navarro's bed-ridden husband Leonard, who died the day police started investigating.
When CBS13 asked Patterson if she had taken from the elderly couple she denied all allegations. And for some reason, Navarro desperately wants to believe her too.
"I know she did wrong and I still don't believe it. Isn't that sad?" asked Navarro.
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