Elderly woman's caretaker racked up big credit card bills, police say

A caretaker from Cary is accused of running up more than $16,000 in credit card bills on the account of an 86-year-old Carpentersville woman.

Lalaine Regencia, 46, of the 0-99 block of Bell Street, is charged with felony financial exploitation of an elderly person and theft of more than $10,000, according to Carpentersville police and Kane County court records.

If convicted, she faces up to seven years in prison, but probation also is an option.

Carpentersville Police Cmdr. Timothy Bosshart said Regencia was arrested late last week.

Cmdr. Michael Kilbourne said police began investigating after the victim's daughter reported “financial irregularities” to authorities.

“The indicators were that purchases were made that her mother didn't make,” Kilbourne said. “The initial report was for just over $1,000. Through our investigation, it was determined to be just over $16,000.”

Kilbourne said investigators contacted stores, credit card companies, obtained video footage and signed receipts. Investigators also interviewed Regencia, who surrendered to police Thursday.

Kilbourne declined to specify what stores the purchases were made and what was bought.

Kilbourne said the credit card purchases took place during a six-month period.

He could not specify how long Regencia had cared for the woman, and he declined to name Regencia's employer.

Regencia was released after posting $1,000 bond and is due in court Friday, records show.