Woman Fakes Terminal Brain Tumor; Cons Elderly Man: Police

A 24-year-old Arlington, Mass., woman is scheduled to be arraigned in Cambridge District Court on Thursday for larceny after she allegedly exploited more than $100,000 from an elderly resident with no family.

Anisa Llega, 24, of Arlington, began working three months ago. allegedly as a house cleaner for an 84-year-old widower. The man had been a frequent customer at a local restaurant where Llega worked as a waitress, according to police.

During that time, Llega, allegedly cultivated a relationship with the victim and began to con him out of large sums of money. It is alleged that she even feigned a terminal brain tumor for which the victim gave her $30,000 for surgery. Llega was actually in Miami on vacation when she claimed to be having brain surgery, according to police.

The suspect also reportedly asked the elderly victim for and received money to pay auto payments, school loans and other bills.

Police believe that she exploited more than $100,000 from the victim. Police found, and froze, several bank accounts in the suspect’s name.

Arlington Police became aware of the matter after they were contacted by an acquaintance of the victim.

Llega was charged with larceny over $250 by single scheme, and is being held on $200,040 bail pending her arraignment at the Cambridge District Court.

“I am proud of the swift and pointed detective work by Arlington Police on this case,” Chief Frederick Ryan said. “This is a particularly sad situation in which the victim has no family and whose kindness and generosity has been thoroughly taken advantage of.”

This case remains under investigation and additional charges are may follow. These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Photo/Info Credit: Arlington Police