Tucson Caregivers Stole Money From Elderly Patient: DOJ

TUCSON, AZ — Two Tucson caregivers have been indicted for wire fraud committed against one of their elderly patients.

Michael Tagle Santos, 33, and Cherry Mae Santos, 28, husband and wife, have been officially charged by a federal grand jury, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the district of Arizona announced in a news release Thursday.

"The indictment alleges that between 2013 and March 2018, the Santoses defrauded an elderly, disabled victim by enriching themselves through the victim’s financial accounts while serving as caregivers," the office wrote. "They are charged with fraudulently transferring funds from the victim’s account to their own accounts as salary 'advances.'"

The couple was also accused of transferring additional funds for their personal use, while also paying themselves a salary from the victim's bank account. It is unclear how much money was stolen from the patient.

Their charges each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

Now that the two have been indicted, the case will go to trial and evidence will be presented to a jury.

The United States Secret Service and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office investigated this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Tucson, will handle the prosecution when it goes to trial.