ARRESTS MADE IN ELDER ABUSE WARRANT SWEEP

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, September 26, 2007: Five people were arrested during a warrant sweep conducted by investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney's Office it was announced today. The operation was conducted in an effort to locate and serve 16 outstanding warrants for crimes committed against the elderly in the Southwest County area.

Taken into custody for financial elder abuse were Tyler James Wedge, 20, of Murrieta, Bobbi Nikolov, 70, of Hemet, and Willie Thompson, 19, of San Jacinto, for purse snatching. Two additional suspects are in custody out of state pending extradition.

Investigators are seeking the public's help in locating an additional five suspects who remain at large. They are Mike Lee, 51, of Moreno Valley, Maria Tynes, 65, of Menifee, April Brooks, 31, of Murrieta, Tara Carmel Byrd, 35, of French Valley, and Michael Fano, 47, of Riverside.

Investigators have also issued a consumer alert to beware of these suspects who are accused of committing numerous crimes against unsuspecting elderly victims including contractor fraud, sweetheart scams, caretaker theft, and real estate fraud.

If convicted, each could face up to four years in state prison and $6,000 in fines.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of any of these individuals, please contact Sr. Investigator Bobbie Favela of the Riverside County District Attorney's Southwest Bureau of Investigation at (951) 304-5450.

For more information or to report elder abuse, contact the CARE Team (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly) at 1(800) 476-7506.

Mike Lee

Maria Tynes

April Brooks

Tara Carmel Byrd

Michael Fano