Cranston Woman Reported Missing Found Alive, Caregiver Arrested

CRANSTON, RI — A nonverbal woman with autism was found alive after a search that lasted three days and resulted in the arrest of her caregiver, Cranston police said Sunday.

Linda Dalomba, 44, had been missing since 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police said her caregiver, Roberta Gerard, 43, told officers Dalomba went missing inside a Burlington Coat Factory store. But after officers reviewed store security footage and questioned Gerard, she admitted she fabricated the story, according to police. Police said Gerard then told officers Dalomba went missing from the back of her car on North Clarendon Street, while Gerard was inside heating food. Police said Gerard estimated Dalomba was unsupervised for about four minutes.

Cranston police, the FBI, Providence police, and Rhode Island State Police conducted an exhaustive search, which included conducting interviews, reviewing surveillance video, and conducting ground and aerial searches. On Sunday, there was a breakthrough in the case.

Around 12:13 p.m., a Pond Street resident called Cranston police and told officers he found Dalomba lying down in back of his Honda Pilot, which had been parked for several weeks. Police said Dalomba was conscious and alert. She was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence for evaluation. According to police, there was evidence Dalomba had been in the vehicle for an extended period.

Gerard was arrested just before 2 p.m. and was charged with abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult with severe impairment (felony), obstructing an officer in the execution of duty, and false report of a crime.

She was released on $5,000 bail with surety and was scheduled to be arraigned in Third District Court in Warwick on Monday.

Police said they are still investigating how Delomba ended up in the vehicle. Where Dalomba was found was close to a nail salon, police said Gerard visited in the afternoon before reporting her patient missing.

"We are grateful for the support from the community, especially from the caregiver network, who assisted in our efforts and kept Ms. Dalomba in their thoughts and prayers," Cranston police Col. Michael Winquist said. "I commend the dedicated officers and our law enforcement partners who worked relentlessly to reunite Ms. DaLomba with her family and friends."

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