In June of 2016, the Clovis Police Department was made aware of an elderly male who had been defrauded by his deceased wife’s former caretaker. An investigation revealed that a 70 year-old Clovis resident was victimized by 48 year-old Linda Urioste out of more than $10,000 after he ended a relationship with her. During the investigation, it was determined that several different means of deception were used to defraud him. A family member intervened and convinced the victim he was being defrauded at which point they immediately reported it to our agency.

Over the course of the last year, Clovis Police Detectives wrote numerous search warrants to obtain the evidence needed for prosecution.

On the morning of August 3, Clovis Police Detectives arrested Linda Urioste for theft by false pretenses and financial elder abuse, both felonies. Urioste was booked into Fresno County Jail after being interviewed. The Clovis Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that if you believe an elderly family member or friend is being victimized or defrauded, to immediately contact your local law enforcement agency.