OCDA SEEKS POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL VICTIMS OF WOMAN CHARGED WITH DEFRAUDING OVER $24,000 IN CASH AND PROPERTY FROM ELDERLY MAN

FULLERTON, Calif. – July 27, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) is seeking potential additional victims of a woman charged with defrauding over $24,000 in cash and property from an elderly man. Polly Sandra John, 49, Anaheim, is charged with five felony counts of theft from an elder, two felony counts of attempted theft from an elder, three felony counts of grand theft auto, one felony count of grand theft, and sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime over $100,000, and property damage loss over $65,000. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in state prison. She is currently being held on $750,000 bail. John was arraigned today and is scheduled for pre-trial on Aug. 14, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-12, North Justice Center, Fullerton.

Between Nov. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2012, John is accused of isolating 76-year-old Lynn Merrell, who suffered from dementia, and convincing the victim to marry her after the victim’s wife passed away. John is accused of manipulating the victim into changing his bank accounts, coercing the victim to give her money, and listing the defendant as a beneficiary of Merrell’s pension, home, and his vehicles. John is accused of taking the victim’s money, cars, and forcing the victim to buy her another car.

Bank tellers and AAA representatives contacted the Anaheim Police Department (APD) after seeing the defendant arguing with the victim in their businesses. APD investigated this case and arrested the defendant on Jan. 10, 2013.

Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Damon Tucker at (714) 648-3667.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Lynda Fernandez of the Major Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Roxi Fyad, Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486