Palatine Woman Who Stole $97K From Elderly Relative Pleads Guilty

PALATINE, IL — A Palatine woman pleaded guilty Tuesday in connection to draining nearly $100,000 from an elderly relative's bank account and using the cash to buy numerous items, including an SUV. Candace Matranga-Perez, 37, was sentenced Tuesday to two years probation and ordered to keep up drug and alcohol treatment, as well as submit to a mental health evaluation, according to the Daily Herald.

According to Palatine police, detectives began investigating Matranga-Perez after her 81-year-old relative reported "a substantial amount" of money missing from her bank account last February. Matranga-Perez used her access to the relative's home between Dec. 15, 2016, to Feb. 14, 2017, to take the victim's debit card and checks, police said.

During that time, Matranga-Perez used the debit card more than 100 times at stores and ATMs, according to police. In total, she was accused of stealing $97,000 from her relative and using the money to buy personal items, such as a 2011 Ford Explorer, police said.

RELATED: Palatine Woman Bought SUV, Other Items With Elderly Relative's Debit Card, Checks: Cops

Investigators were able to identify Matranga-Perez as a suspect thanks to video surveillance and other evidence, according to police.

More via the Daily Herald

Candace Matranga-Perez, 37 (Photo via Palatine Police Department)