VENTURA : Insurance Agent Denies Theft Charge
A Ventura insurance agent accused of swindling an elderly Ventura woman out of more than $70,000 pleaded not guilty Thursday in Superior Court to charges of burglary and grand theft.
Terry J. Alderete is accused of promising to purchase an insurance annuity for $71,793.82, but placing the money in his personal account and spending it on himself, prosecutors said. He was indicted earlier this week by the county grand jury.
Alderete, 55, and his attorney, Bruce R. Holmes of Los Angeles, both declined to comment following the brief hearing.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Jeff G. Bennett said Alderete is being charged with burglary because he entered the woman’s home with the intent to defraud her.
Alderete is scheduled for trial July 5.
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