Caregiver accused of stealing $6,500 from elderly woman

Christen Chamberlin

A caregiver was accused of fraudulently cashing 15 checks and stealing more than $6,500 from an elderly woman, Washoe County Sheriff's deputies said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

Christen Chamberlin, 20, faces several counts including exploitation of an older and vulnerable person, forgery and larceny less than $3,500 from a person 60 or older, among other charges.

The fraud was discovered after the victim noticed inconsistencies in her bank account. She then called Chamberlin's employer and the sheriff's office.

The arrest was one among several in the past year, deputies said.

In September, detectives arrested Cherie Endicott of Sparks on several charges for stealing nearly $50,000 from an elderly woman's bank account. Endicott had pled guilty in Sparks Justice Court, authorities said.

In November, Brian Dare of Reno was also arrested and accused of altering and cashing checks from an elderly woman. Dare was being held in the Washoe County Detention Facility and is awaiting trial.

"This arrest sends a message that the sheriff's office is determined to bring justice to those who would victimize the vulnerable in our community," Sheriff Chuck Allen said in a statement. "I commend the victim for having the courage to come forward, congratulate our deputies for a successful investigation and encourage anyone who is concerned about the safety and security of an elderly person to notify law enforcement immediately."

The name and age of the victim was not immediately released pending an investigation. Deputies said they don't know of any other victims as of Wednesday afternoon.

Chamberlin's bail was set at $50,000.

Anyone with information are asked to contact the sheriff's Detective Division at 775-328-3320 or Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

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Caregiver accused of stealing $6,500 from elderly woman