Daughter of Caretaker Accused of Stealing Money From Elderly Client Is Also Charged

Felony theft charges were filed today against the daughter of a caretaker accused of stealing money from elderly victims for personal purchases.

Anastasia Darlena Mendezkestler, 22, of Laguna Niguel is charged with two felony counts each of accessory after the fact and receiving stolen property, second-degree commercial burglary, fraudulently using an access card, and sentencing enhancements for loss over $100,000, property loss over $200,000, and white collar crime over $500,000.

Mendezkestler was arrested by sheriff's deputies today and faces a maximum  of 12 years in state prison if convicted of all counts. Mendezkestler is expected to be arraigned Monday in Newport Beach.

Mendezkestler's mother, , 51, of Laguna Niguel is charged with 34 felony counts of fraudulently using an access card, 24 felony counts of forgery, four felony counts of caretaker theft from an elder, three felony counts of residential burglary of an occupied home, one felony count each of identification theft, accessory after the fact, receiving stolen property and second-degree burglary.

She is charged with sentencing enhancements for loss over $100,000, property loss over $200,000, white collar crime over $500,000, and having a non-accomplice present. If convicted of all counts, Casini faces a maximum sentence of 49 years and eight months in state prison.

56, of Laguna Niguel, Norma Casini's husband and Mendezkestler's father, is charged with two felony counts each of accessory after the fact and receiving stolen property and one felony count each of second-degree burglary and fraudulently using an access card. He was arrested Feb. 17 at the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, where he works as an administrative assistant. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 12 years in state prison.

The defendants are each in custody on $610,000 bail and must prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source before posting bond. Norma and Leno Casini are scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing March 15.

Charges Against Norma Casini

Alleged victim Nancy W., 85, has required 24-hour in-home care in her Laguna Woods home since 2002. The victim has no family support and hired a caregiver service, LivHOME, to provide for her needs and basic care. LivHOME caregivers are paid by the company and are not to accept money directly from their client.

Norma Casini was employed by LivHOME and is accused of being entrusted to care for Nancy W. from November 2006 to March 2009. Without the knowledge or permission of the victim, Norma Casini is accused of stealing about $610,000 from Nancy W.'s bank accounts and credit cards for personal use. Norma Casini is accused of using the stolen money to pay for her home lease, dog day care and a "dog whisperer," orthodontic work, laser eye treatment, shopping, concerts, travel, and other personal items.

In March 2009, Casini was terminated by LivHOME after the company determined that she was not in Nancy W.'s home during her shift. A subsequent review of the victim's bank accounts revealed that her savings had been depleted from more than $700,000 in June 2008 to less than $5,000 in April 2009.

Norma Casini was employed to care for 93-year-old Peggy R., who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, by the victim's two sons between June 2010 and November. Norma Casini is accused of stealing Peggy R.'s credit card. She is accused of taking out another credit card in Peggy R.'s name without the knowledge or permission of the victim. Norma Casini is accused of using Peggy R.'s credit cards to make personal purchases.

On Dec. 17,  Norma Casini is accused of being at the home of Billy and Betty C., whom she was entrusted to care for. She is accused of taking $6,000 in cash from the victims' home without their knowledge or consent.

 Casini was arrested Feb. 2. As a result of the media coverage on Norma Casini's case, additional victims came forward, which led to the arrest of Leno Casini.

Charges Against Leno Casini

On July 29 and Aug. 30, Leno Casini is accused of being in possession of and using one of Peggy R.'s credit cards to purchase Orange County Metrolink passes and pay bills at a Rent-A-Center.

Between December and January, Norma Casini was employed as a caregiver by Home Helpers and is accused of being entrusted to care for  William and Helene S., 89 and 83 years old respectively. Norma Casini is accused of taking Helene S.'s debit card, changing the pin number, and using it to make purchases totaling approximately $1,150. She is accused of stealing Helene S.'s wedding ring and band, which had an inscription of the couple's initials. Norma Casini is accused of giving the jewelry to her husband, Leno Casini, to sell.

On Jan. 22, Leno Casini is accused of taking the rings to Jewelry Buyers, a pawn shop in Irvine. He is accused of selling the wedding set, claiming the rings belonged to his deceased mother.

New Charges Against Mendezkestler

 Between June and January, Mendezkestler is accused of receiving stolen money from Norma Casini and depositing the money in her personal bank accounts. She is accused of using the stolen money to pay for her divorce, medical insurance, dental work, pets, toys, furniture and electronics.

On July 9, Mendezkestler is accused of being in possession of one of Peggy R.'s credit cards and using it to purchase tires for her car at Tucker Tire in Laguna Niguel. On July 31, she is accused of using the same card to purchase a high-end Nikon camera at OC Camera in Mission Viejo.

The investigation is ongoing.