Elder Abuse Hits Home

Involved, caring family members are the strongest deterrent of elder abuse; however it can be difficult to imagine someone trying to take advantage of your family-member, so often elder abuse goes unnoticed.

Walter Berg is a retired City of Fresno Controller, World War II Veteran, and uncle to Stone | Dean Managing Partner, Kristi Dean. So when Kristi was notified that her Uncle Walt was potentially being defrauded, she took action.

Mr. Berg hired a Delilah Alejandrez four years ago to cook, clean, and handle his bills; unfortunately, however, Alejandrez began taking advantage of Mr. Berg and his finances. According to family members and investigating deputies, Alejandrez reportedly stole over $100,000, personal keepsakes such as his wife’s ring(s) and watch, and isolated Mr. Berg from his family.

Kristi, however, was right there beside her Uncle Walt in the criminal proceedings where Ms. Alejandrez was sentenced to serve a year in jail. Additionally, Kristi Dean & Leslie Blozan have filed a civil law suit on behalf of Walter Berg against Alejandrez asking for $1.6 Million.

Identifying Elder Abuse can be difficult, but it is important to know the warning signs and understand what steps one can take to prevent it. This guide from HelpGuide.org can help family members & elders identify, prevent, report, or find resources regarding elder abuse. If you or someone you know might be a victim of elder abuse, contact Stone | Dean’s Elder Law Practice immediately.

This story was originally covered by ABC30: Action News, KFSN-TV Fresno. You can find the original article by clicking the link here.