TACOMA, WA – Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Fawn Carisa Souix Bouton, 28, with residential burglary, four counts of trafficking in stolen property, identity theft, and four counts of theft. The defendant stole money and jewelry from three elderly residents at a retirement home in Puyallup in July 2012.
"Our Elder Fraud team vigorously prosecutes cases of elder fraud and theft," said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. "We encourage family and friends of elder victims to come forward and report these crimes against some of the most vulnerable members of our community."
On July 15, 2012, the defendant identified herself as the granddaughter of R.S., 94, a resident at the retirement home. She explained to R.S.'s neighbor, M.H., that she was there to clean his apartment while he was in the hospital. M.H. and the defendant spoke in her apartment while she retrieved R.S.'s keys. When the defendant left, she noticed she was missing $40 and one of her rings. She contacted the police.
Puyallup Police officers responded to the retirement home. The victim, M.H., contacted R.S.'s son to verify the identity of the granddaughter. He explained that R.S. does not have a granddaughter, but he knew who may be responsible. He brought a photo of the defendant who had previously been engaged to R.S.'s grandson. M.H. positively identified her as the defendant.
The following day, M.L., a resident of the retirement home, reported to the Puyallup Police Department that her wallet, debit card, and three rings were missing. The defendant was found on surveillance at a nearby deli using M.L.'s debit card. The victim positively identified her three rings sold to a nearby pawn shop by the defendant.
On July 18, 2012, R.S. arrived home from the hospital to find his jewelry box and some medication missing. The jewelry is valued at over $10,000. R.S. positively identified some items sold by the defendant to a local pawn shop.
On March 2, 2013, the defendant was arrested on a warrant. She was arraigned today and bail was set at $30,000. Her next court appearance is March 21, 2013 at the County City Building in Tacoma.
Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information, please contact Emily Conlee at (253) 798-6265, [email protected].