For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1500013 |
| Date Issued: | Jan 28, 2015 - 12:56pm |
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Sheriff's Deputies arrest Carson City woman for fraudulently cashing checks belonging to an elderly victim |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Deputies arrested Christen Ashlee Chamberlin, age 20, of Carson City on multiple charges related to fraudulently cashing over a dozen checks belonging to an elderly Incline Village woman.
Sheriff's Office investigators said that during a time when Chamberlin worked as a caregiver for the victim, Chamberlin fraudulently cashed 15 checks from the victim's bank account. The total amount of money Chamberlin obtained from the victim is estimated at just over $6,500.
The fraud was discovered after the victim noticed discrepancies with her account. The victim notified the Sheriff's Office and Chamberlin's employer.
Chamberlin was arrested on Sunday, January 25, 2015 following an investigation by Deputies from the Sheriff's Office Patrol Division. She faces multiple charges including Exploitation of an Older/Vulnerable Person, Forgery, Intent to Utter a Fictitious Bill/Note/Check, and Larceny less than $3,500 from a Person 60 or Older. She is currently being held in the Washoe County Detention Facility on $50,000 bail.
"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. "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."
In September of last year, the Sheriff's Office Detectives arrested Cherie Marie Endicott of Sparks on multiple charges related to fraudulently obtaining nearly $50,000 from the bank account of an elderly victim. Endicott plead guilty in Sparks Justice Court.
In November, Detectives arrested Brian Oliver Dare of Reno for altering and cashing the check of an elderly Reno woman. Dare is currently in the Washoe County Detention Facility awaiting trial.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the Chamberlin case. There is no evidence of additional victims at this time, however investigators ask that anyone with information that may be useful to their investigation contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.
Photo: Christen Ashlee Chamberlin
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.
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