Palos Verdes Estates Police Arrest Caregiver Accused Of Stealing From Elderly

PALOS VERDES ESTATES (CBSLA) — A caregiver has been arrested on suspicion of stealing from the elderly, Palos Verdes Estates police announced Monday.

Ma "Rose" Licuanan, 49, was taken into custody Tuesday.

The Torrance woman is suspected of stealing credit cards, cash and other belongings from people she cared for.

Detectives recovered stolen items from the suspect's home and vehicles, according to a police press release.

Licuanan, who is being held without bail, has been charged with four felony counts and two misdemeanor counts.

Lisa Alonzo, 78, is disappointed and mad. She said the caregiver she hired to help her get around since she injured her leg in a car accident, did anything but care for her.

"How can she do that and what a shame she will do it," she said. "It's just not right to whoever you do it to."

Alonzo told CBS2's Rachel Kim that Licuanan only worked for her for two days in March because she suspected the caregiver of taking $100 from her. "I just told her I just don't want to work with you," she said.

Alonzo then started noticing charges she didn't make on credit card statements, totaling nearly $900.

She said her suspicions were confirmed when Palos Verdes Estates police called and told her they arrested the suspect and found Alonzo's credit cards in her purse.

Licuanan has a list of aliases, including Maria Licuanan, Marosario Mendoza Licuanan and Rosario Licuanan, police said.

They believe there are more victims and are asking them to come forward by calling Sgt. Luke Hellinga at (310) 378-4211.