Man Suspected of Stealing From Vulnerable Elderly

Grand Terrace/Loma Linda Police has arrested a man police say stole from vulnerable seniors at a convalescent home.

Authorities are now searching for any additional victims.

Police arrested 51-year-old James Perkins at his Riverside home Dec. 8. on suspicion of theft from the elderly for taking property and items from seniors at a Grand Terrace convalescent home. Perkins worked at the convalescent home for about three years as a driver

According to a police news release, in April, Perkins took a watch and money from a woman who lived at the facility. Perkins gave the watch to his daughter and bought tickets to Disneyland with the money the woman gave him, officials said.

In November, Perkins took a laptop computer from one of the male residents, officials said. Officers said they recovered a computer taken from one of the seniors at Perkins' home.

While some of the items were offered, authorities said Perkins had signed an agreement that stated he understood that he was not to accept any type of gifts, money or payment of any kind from anyone at the facility because many of the residents at the location suffer from mental medical ailments and are vulnerable to theft.

While still at the convalescent home, officers said Perkins would establish friendships with residents and tell them that he was a single father and did not have enough money to give his daughter gifts. 

Administrators with the facility reported the incident to authorities at 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 2

Perkins was booked into the Central Detention Center. He was released from custody on Dec. 9.

Investigators suspect there may be additional victims. They ask anyone with information to call Deputy Bernabe Ortiz of the Central Station/Grand Terrace Police Department. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.