APTOS, Calif. – The Santa Cruz County District Attorneys Office is investigating two cases of elder financial abuse in Aptos.
Investigators said two women in their nineties were scammed thousands of dollars for home improvement jobs.
They're looking for Sonny Costello and Steve Costello.
Bill Atkinson with the District Attorneys Office said back in June of 2012, Sonny Costello pretended to be a licensed contractor and tricked a 92-year-old woman into coughing up $2,000 for a driveway resurfacing job she didn't need on her home on Sunset Way.
"This is horrible," Atkinson said. "These are our most vulnerable citizens in our community. They deserve respect."
Four months later, Atkinson said Steve Costello went to the same house, demanding more money for the same job.
"She didn't understand. She wasn't sure, but she paid him another $1,800," he said.
Atkinson showed Central Coast News pictures of both of the suspects cashing the checks.
Earlier this month, Sonny Costello went to a home on Cuesta Drive where investigators said he tricked a 94-year-old woman into paying $3,100 for roof resurfacing. Atkinson said the work was never done.
"They (the elderly) deserve to be left alone. They grew up in a generation where you trusted people. They still want to trust people," he said.
Atkinson said people should be sure of where their money is going and keep close tabs on their elderly relatives.
If you see Sonny or Steve Costello, you're urged to call the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Investigators said at this point they don't know if the two suspects are related, or if they are even working together.
Both face charges of elder financial abuse.
The victims' families said the victims declined to comment. They are doing ok.
