SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release
		Release #06-20-02 June 20, 2002 For Immediate Release
						Media Office 916-264-5124  Capt. Sam Somers Lt. Daniel Hahn, PIO Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO ASO Tina Lee-Vogt AA Audrey Lee PCIII Cheryl Moore Internet: www.sacpd.org

On June 14, 2002, the Sacramento Police Department Financial Crimes Unit concluded a lengthy investigation and obtained an arrest warrant for Krystal Puccetti (02-28-63).   On Wednesday, June 19, 2002, Puccetti turned herself in and was booked at the Sacramento County Main jail on charges of stealing from an elder/dependant adult.

On December 8, 2000, Adult Protective Services was notified by Heritage Credit Union that they suspected one of their elderly members (86 years old) was being financially abused by her caretaker.  The caretaker, Krystal Puccetti, had gone to the credit union with the victim and opened three loans within a six month period.  The three loans totaled $31,122.00.

During the investigation it was discovered that several credit card accounts had been opened in the victim’s name, without her knowledge, with the caretaker as an authorized user.  One credit card alone had a balance of $11,000.  Investigators also looked into the victim’s bank account activity.  From one bank account $97,000 was withdrawn in the year 2000.  This was a significant change from the victim’s more frugal spending habits prior to her contact with Puccetti.

During the investigation it was discovered  that another elderly female (83 years old) was being  financially victimized by Krystal Puccetti, who was her caretaker.  The victim’s daughter discovered the theft while reviewing the victim’s bank records.  The victim’s daughter discovered about $1,200 in checks that were written to Puccetti, which was money she should not have received.  Two of the checks were discovered to have been forged by Puccetti.

The Sacramento Police Department Financial Crimes Unit handles all fraud and deception cases.  The unit is committed to investigating all allegations of financial abuse.  Anyone with information regarding elder abuse can contact the Sacramento Police Department or the Sacramento County Adult Protective Services.

Sergeant Justin Risley
06-20-02