Alleged check forger, jewelry thief targeted elderly in Southern California

A 34-year-old woman from the harbor region of Los Angeles has been arrested and charged with four felonies after allegations she was stealing from elderly clients whom she worked for as a caregiver, officials announced earlier this week.  

In a news release, detectives with the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department say Isela “Izzy” Ruiz, a resident of Wilmington, forged checks stolen from elderly victims, cashed them and stole jewelry from their homes.  

An investigation into the 34-year-old led to her arrest on Aug. 18 in the city of Carson, police said.  

The following day, authorities at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Ruiz with four felony counts in connection with the investigation.  

Investigators believe there are likely more victims and ask anyone with information about this case to contact PVEPD Det. Joe Marino at 310-378-4211 by email at jmarino@pvestates.org.  

Ruiz was booked at the Palos Verdes Estates PD jail where she’s being held on $195,000 bail. Authorities added that a “probation hold” was placed on the 24-year-old by the L.A. County Probation Department.