RUTLAND — Police have arrested a 38-year-old woman on charges of elder abuse after she allegedly posed as a caretaker and took over an elderly resident’s home.
Maria Martin, formerly of Fall River, faces charges of larceny from a building, vandalizing property and permitting abuse on an elder/disabled person.
Police say Martin fraudulently established residence with an elderly Rutland resident under the guise of being a caretaker.
The elderly resident later left the home for extended care at a medical facility.
When the resident returned home, she found that her locks had been changed and that Martin and her boyfriend had been squatting in her home, according to police.
The victim also discovered her home was in squalor, littered with drug paraphernalia, with several possessions stolen and parts of the house destroyed.
Investigating officers found evidence suggesting Martin had been operating an illicit erotic massage service out of the residence.
Martin was arraigned at East Brookfield District Court and is being held on $5,000 bail at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office.
Rutland police officers are coordinating with elder services, the victim’s family and the victim/witness advocate at the court to ensure the victim receives needed services and protection.
