Carol Williams and Elesia Pinnock charged with defrauding seniors in the GTA

Investigators from the 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have arrested and charged two Toronto-area women, in connection to several incidents of senior citizens being defrauded.

On May 5, 2010, a 92 year-old Mississauga woman was contacted by the suspects, who presented themselves as social workers working with seniors who had recently lost a spouse. Later that day, the suspects attended the victim’s residence, under the guise of providing support. While inside the victim’s residence, one of the suspects distracted the victim, while the other wandered throughout the home, stealing cash and credit cards. After leaving the victim’s home, the suspects fraudulently used credit cards, belonging to the victim and her late husband.

Police were contacted and, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, officers arrested 46 year-old Carol WILLIAMS and 43 year-old Elesia PINNOCK, both of Toronto. At the time of their arrest, the suspects were approaching the residence of another elderly widow.

The investigation to date has revealed that the suspects have been responsible for stealing from and / or defrauding ten (10) individuals, most of which are senior citizens. They now face a number of theft and fraud-related charges and more charges are expected to be laid.

Investigators believe that these suspects specifically targeted seniors, who were particularly vulnerable as a result of the death of a partner. They presented themselves as being members of legitimate support organizations, and are known to have used a variety of different aliases.

Carol WILLIAMS is described as black, 5’4”, 130 lbs, with a medium build. She has black, straight, collar-length hair.

Elesia PINNOCK is described as black, 5’10”, 155 lbs, with a thin build. She has shoulder-length dark hair, with blond highlights, and is soft-spoken.

Investigators are concerned that other victims may exist. Family members of seniors, particularly of those who recently lost a partner, are urged to speak to their family member and find out if they have been contacted, or visited, by someone from a support group. If so, family members should scrutinize credit card bills, to ensure all purchases are legitimate. Any credit cards believed to have been stolen should be reported to the originating bank and police.