2 Accused of Targeting the Elderly in Swindle
Torrance police have arrested two Inglewood residents on suspicion of financial elder abuse.
David Smith, 43, is accused of calling elderly Torrance residents and posing as a relative stranded at Burbank Airport and in need of money to get home. The suspect allegedly collected between $500 and $2,000 in each case, also posing as a go-between, police said.
Smith is being held on $1-million bail and will be charged Monday with 18 counts of financial elder abuse, authorities said.
An alleged accomplice, Shirley Evans, 42, is in custody on $50,000 bail and will be charged with five counts, authorities said.
Police have identified 18 victims but believe there may be others. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (310) 618-2530.
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